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D. I. FOSTER, Rapatee, III. 

It is only tittinp; that the one who has woiketl so hard and 
"aitlifully in getting the data, and then in writing the foliowina 
3ages, should have a place of some pronoinence in this work. And 
18 he will not take such ?t place himself, the printer of this work 
lias taken the trouble to /secure a photograph of Mr. Foster, from 
which the above excellent engraving has been made. I also have 



FIsrOKY OF THE FOSTER B'AMILT. 



gathered some data regarding Mr. Foster^& career, and so append 
the following short iiistory of his eventful and strenuous life. 

D. L Foster was born on Broad Top Mountains, Bedford Co., 
Fenn., June 7lh, 1856. His father was Miles Foster and his 
mother's maiden name was Caroline Figard. 

Two catastrophes of his earlj years have followed him through 
all his life. The, first was a scrofulus attack, when he was only a 
baby, which destroyed the right cheek bone, and almost totally 
destroyed t4ie sight of his right eye. The second was the crippling 
of his right hand for life, by being twice bitten by a copperhead 
snake, when he was eight years old. 

But more serious to him than these physical disadvantages, 
has been another handicap which the conditions of his youth put 
upon him. And that handicap was the lack of schooling. He was 
only in school one day previous to his ninth birthday, and in all 
did not receive to exceed eight months schooling, this being scat- 
tered out over a period of six years. He has however labored 
faithfully and successfully to overcome this disadvantage, and has 
surmounted obstacles that would have appalled many more favored 
individuals. 

Mr- Foster has never been an office seeker, and yet few people 
have served societies and the public generally as faithfully as he. 
His first experience was when he was only eighteen years old. 
At that time his grandfather was elected a supervisor of highways 
and a tax collector, but owing to rheumatism could not serve. In 
this dilemma the subject of our sketch, at the solicitation of the town 
board, took up the work and did it faithfully and well. Two years 
later, in February, 1876, although lacking four months of being 
twenty-one, he was nominated and elected as inspector of elections 
oh the republican ticket. But as he spent the summer and autumn 
in Maryland he was thus prevented from serving. He has been 
secretary or treasurer of the board of stewards of the Rapatee M. 
E. church since 1893. Was collector of Maquon township in 1889. 1 
Has served two terms as constable. Served five years as secretary 1 
of Round Top Grange, No. 1293. Has bten secretarv of Lyons 
Cemetery association since 1890. Has betn township president of 
the county S. S. association four years, and is now secretary of 



3 HISTORY OF FAMILY THE FOSTER. 

that organization. 

Mr. Foster was married at Saxton, Fenn., during the liolidays 
of 1879, to Rebecca E, Ramsey, and together they moved to 
Rapatee in 1883. They have had ten children, eight of whom are 
yet living. 

In religion Mr. Foster has ever been earnest and true t(j> his 
belief. He first joined the Church of God or Winebrennariau 
branch of the Baptist church in 1878. After he moved to Rapatee, 
he and Prof. R. D. Hill called the meeting which resulted in the 
building of the Rapatee church. He was the first superintendent 
of its Sunday school, and in 1893 put his membership in with that 
church. 

In politics he has voted with the democratic party since he 
was twenty-two years of age. 

Since coming to Rapatee in 1883 he has been continuously in 
the coal business, operating extensively at the present time a bank 
on the Cope farm. 

But one of the special features of Mr. Foster's life work has been 
his contributions for newspapers. His first article was written in 
May, 1880, and since then he has been a continual contributor to 
the press. In 1881 and 1882 he wrote a historical article in serial 
form, containing seventy-three chapters, over the name of T. E. 
LePhone. It was published in the Saxton (Penn.) Independent. 
During the past sixteen years he has written over three thousand 
letters to forty-five different newspapers, in nine different states. 
He has been the regular item gatherer for the Knox county dem- 
ocratic paper for sixteen years; for the London Times for fourteen 
years; and for the Galesburg Republican-Register for eleven years. 

These brief facts only go to show what a busy and useful life 
Mr. Foster has lived, and how struggling with adverse circum- 
stances and conditions he has gained a very large share of real 
success. W. W. VosE. 

London Mills, 111., Oct. 1, 1902. 



HISTORY OF tHE FOSTER FAlillLY, 



STATEMENT. 

In our earlj childhood days we were placed where we came in 
contact with many very old people, and we would leave our play 
at any time to hear them tell of the trying times between 1788 and 
1813. During the summer of 1869 an old folks gathering was 
held at the home of Benjamin Whited, about one-half mile from 
where the first permanent cabin was built on Broad Top, and we 
visited the stot with several of the crowd. Among them were 
Christopher Osborn born about 1790, Dr. Wesley Duval who was 
some younger, Dr. Asa Duval who was just 69 years old 
then. Their good wives were with them. They pointed out the 
spot where the Indians had fired on Basil Foster, Dr. Jeremiah 
Duval and Benjamin Penn, and wished there was some one to J 
write a history of the settlement and keep a record of the people 
who had opened up that grand old mountain settlement. And 
while at that time we could scarcely read and could not write a line 
we resolved that if spared we would do something in that line at 
some time. Eleven years later we were able to give to the public 
our History of the Broad Top Settlement and thirty-three years 
later we give the Foster family our present work. 

In beginning this work we took from the old records such 
names as Johnstone, Schwartz, Shaupt, but thought best to drop 
them for more modern forms. D. 1. Foster. 



#^ 



%# 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 



A Wonderful Story. Covering Nearly Two Hun- 
dred Years of Time, and Half the United 
States in Territory. 



By D. I. FOSTER, Rapatee, III. 



CHAPTER ONE. 

In beginning the history of our branch of the Foster family, 
we have no apology to offer for the name, but beg pardon for all 
grammatical and other errors as our schooling was confined to less 
than eight months, scattered over a period of twelve years. 

Now we do not claim that Adams' surname was Foster or even 
that one of that name was a passenger on the Mayflower. But we 
do claim that for one-hundred and seventy-five years we have 
,taken an active part in the settlement of North America. 

The Foster family first settled on the bleak hills of Mass- 
achusetts near Myrickville, where the bones of many of our fore- 
fathers sleep. 

About 1760 Arthur Foster, with a number of his neighbors. 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 



went to the sea-coast and loaded their few belongings on a sailing 
vessel of the style of that time and started down the coast to the 
then new settlements of Maryland. He entered the Chesapeake 
Bay and pushing up the Potomac river he settled near the present 
town of Hyattsville, Prince George's county, where he reared a 
large family, of whom we know something. He had five children 
that emigrated north, viz.: Basil, Richard, Lewis, John and Mrs. 
Ruth Foster Lewis. 

During the French and Indian wars, from 1754 to 1760, many 
young men from Prince George's county, Maryland, had been 
north to the mountains and valleys along the different branches of 
the Juniata river in Pennsylvania, which had fired the hearts of 
the youngest settlers, who were already feeling the scarcity of 
game and the increased price of land. Hence in the spring of 
1778 a considerable number of men banded together, and started 
north. Their entire outfit, as well as women and children, going 
on horseback. 

We are indebted to the late Dr. Asa Duvall for a few names 
of these settlers: Dr. Jeremiah Duvall and wife, Rev. Thomas 
Johnston and family, Eli Lewis and wife, Benjamin and Richard 
Penn, Basil Foster and family, John Foster and family, Lewis 
and Richard Foster. 

Simultaneously a band of brave emigrants left Buck's county, 
Pa., for the same destination. The Maryland crowd came by the 
way of Ft. Pitt (now Bedford, Pa.) The Buck's county people by 
the way of Ft. Standing Stone (now Huntingdon, Pa.) They 
selected a spot at the mouth of Shoup's Run, where it empties into 
the Raystown branch of the Juniata river, near where Saxton, Pa. 
now stands. A block house was built on what is now the J. J. 
Reed farm. His spring as well as the Fockler cemetery being in- 
side of the stockade. Among those who helped to chop and place 
the timber were Captain John Sabastian Shoup, Fredrick Sheckler, 
Philip Stoner, Martin Stoler, Lewis Fluck, Robert Friggs, Frederick 
Heater, Isaac Keith, Peter Crum and Joshua (known as "Scout") 
Davis There were no doubt many others, but for our purpose 
the above will suffice. They pushed out into the beautiful valleys 
and many farms had been improved by the spring of 1780, Basil 
Foster built a cabin on what is now the Rhoades farm, and John 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 



Foster built a cabin near where the Sliinier stone house stands in 
"Woodcock valley. 

But, alas! All this was changed. During May and Juno, 
1780, the Indians liad been killing tiie settlers farther west, and 
on Saturday, July 15th, two bands of Indians came down the Kit- 
taning war path, and killed several settlers on the opposite side of 
the river. Everything was excitement. The stock had been driv- 
en to the fort some days before. A meeting was held at once and 
it was decided to vacate the fort, which was done, and the next 
Sunday, July 16, 1780, occurred the terrible Woodcock valley 
massacre, which would have been the fate of the three Foster fami- 
lies had they remained in the settlement. In that band of settlers 
who crossed the mountains that hot July night were Riciiard Lewis 
Foster and Charity Johnston, both aged ten years, who afterwards 
became the parents of our branch of the Foster family now num- 
bering over one thousand two hundred souls. 

Of the history of the Foster family from July 10, 1780, to 
April 10, 1787, we know very, little. Richard died lighting for 
his country. Basil Foster's tirst wife, whose maiden name was 
Friscilla Lewis, had died and he had married a sister of the Penn 
boys, Richard and Benjamin. In 1786 large grants of land had 
been given to Basil Foster and Dr. Jeremiah Duvall (who was 
married to Sarah Penn) from the Penn escate. This land was 
N situated near where Minersville, Huntingdon county, and Six Mile 
Run, Bedford county. Pa., now stand. In April 1787, the Fos- 
ter, Duvall, Penn, Chainy and several other families left Prince 
George'p county, Md.,for the old fort at the mouth of Shoup's Run. 
The fort was found standing, but over run with the cats that luid 
been left there seven years befere. Turnips were gathered that 
year from the crop sowed in 1780, which had seeded from year to 
year, and the writer has seen a pot and skillet that were dug up 
after seven years burial. 

Before beginning the history of the Foster family we shall 
make brief mention of a few of those old settlers who met in 
Sboup's fort in the spring of 1787: Thomas Johnston died in 
Highland county. Ohio, 1817. Henry Shoup died on the 16th 
day of March, 1850, aged 81:. Dr. Jerry Duvall died Sunday 
evening, Feb. 12th, 1832, aged 82 years. Martin Stoler born in 



8 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 



Switzerland in January, 1733, his wife, Ann Mariah, born the 4:th 
of March, 1743, both died in Woodcock valley. He died July 23, 
1810, she on May 22nd, 1821. Fredrick Sheckler, born in Ger- 
many, 1754, his wife, Mary Momrow Sheckler born in 1755. He 
died in July, 1829, she in 1834. If space would permit we could 
give dates of the deaths of almost all of them. Thomas Johnston 
and wife and Frederick Sheckler and wife were the great-great- 
grand parents of the writer. 

We will next take up the history of the Foster family, be- 
ginning with their settling on the Broad Top mountains in 1787. 



CHAPTER TWO. 

We now take up the return of the three Foster brothers to 
Woodcock Valley, Pennsylvania. John Foster rebuilt his cabin 
near Raver's Gap, where he remained until 1800, when he emi- 
grated to Madison county, Ohio, where he became the head of the 
grekt Ohio family of Fosters. His wife was Ann Penn; Lewis 
Foster, the youngest of the Foster brothers lived^ in Woodcock 
Valley from 1787 to 1800, when the Johnstone, Flenner, Chainey, 
Foster and several other families concluded to move west. The 
Foster family had inherited land in Ross, Madison and Highland 
counties, Ohio. Lewis Foster became the owner of a farm in Ross 
county, Ohio, where he spent a good part of his life, and while we 
have not the facts in connection, we have no doubt that "Preacher 
Lewis"' as he was called emigrated to Fuiton county, Illinois, and 
died full of honors in 1851, in his 92d year. The bones of him- 
self and wife (if we are correct) sleep in the Foster cemetery, near 
Fairview. We will now take up the history of Basil Foster whose 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 9 



history we have correct, even to the fact that the pocket knife lie 
took from Maryland to Pennsylvania in 17is7 is in the possession 
of Jolin Richard Foster of Altoona, Fa. And it will compare very 
favorably with one made in the 2Uth century. 

Basil Foster, oldest son of Arthur Foster, was born in Massa- 
chusetts in the year 1744. Moved with his father to Prince 
George's county, Maryland, Adhere in 1709 he married Priscilla 
Lewis. To them were born one son,' Richard Lewis Foster, on 
the 16th day of September, 1770. After her death 'he married 
Molly or Mary Penn. As stated before Basil Foster moved from 
Maryland to Woodcock Valley, Pa., in 1778, was driven back by 
the Indians in July, 1780, returning in May, 1787, when after 
resting a few days at Shoup's Fort, Dr. Jeremiah Duvall, Richard 
Penn and Basil Foster proceeded on their way in a southeasterly 
direction about seven miles to where they had concluded to settle. 
The women and children remained at the fort until logs were cut, 
clapboards split for roofs, puncheon split and hewed 
for floors, and the cabins built, without nails or 
glass. Rough stone chimneys were built in one corner or 
at one end. We have often been on the spots where the three 
cabins were built. The Duvall farm is still occupied by the family, 
and the Molly Foster place is being farmed today. 

About June 1st, 1787 housekeeping was first be^un on the 
Broad Top Mountains, and the first seeds were planted. The 
nearest store was at Baltimore, Md., and in the spring of 1788 
Basil Foster and son, R. L. Foster, started with one pack horse 
for Baltimore for tools, as Basil Foster was by trade a wagon 
builder, which trade he wished his son R. L. to follow. The long 
trip was made in safety their food being procured by their tire- 
arms. The old flint locks answered the double purpose of killing 
the game and making the fire to cook it. 

While in the south arrangements were made for Richard L., 
to return south in the autumn of 1789 to stay five years to learn 
the blacksmith trade. He left for Baltimore in September, 1789. 
Little thinking that he would never see tlie dear old father in life 
again. The winter of '89 and '90 was a terrible one. We are 
told that snow laid on the mountains from late November '89 to 
late April '90. Maple sugar and meat were plenty but not an 



II 



10 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 

ounce of wheat flour was to be found in the three settlements — 
Shoups, Broad Top and the Penn-Bryant at what is now Miner- 
ville, Fa. But tlie long looked for spring of 1790 came at last 
and with it many settlers. The first white persons death occurred 
in May of this year, being tliat of Mrs, Sarah Shreeves. Basil 
Foster cut a large chestnut tree, split, hewed and pinned it togeth- 
er with locust pins — the first coftiu made in the settlement. Dr. 
Jeremiah Duvall preached the funeral sermon and the Duvall cem- 
etery was started, where sleep seven generations of the Foster 
family today. In October, 1791, Basil P'oster was taken ill and 
all the simple methods of the family and kind neighbors were of 
no avail and Basil Foster was called to his fathers, leaving a widow 
and seven children in the then mountain wilderness, besides the 
son Richard. The latter was now called to give up his trade and 
come back north to do a father's part by the half brothers and 
sisters, which he did for two years, clearing acre after acre of the 
woods land and working it, bringing forth rye, wheat and corn. 
In the year 1793, Richard L. Foster laid out what is still known 
as the old Dick Foster place. He built a log cabin and log barn and 
one beautiful summer morning in 1793 he hied himself over the 
mountains to the old fort on the banks of the blue Juniata where 
Bishop Asbury, first American Methodist bishop, said the words 
that made Richard L. Foster and Charity Johnstone man and wife. 
That night they spent with her father. Rev. Thomas Johnstone. 
The next day they mounted the same horse and went over the 
mountains to their new home, where they spent the next fifty 
years. As this is the particular Foster family we expect to follow 
for one hundred and ten years, it will be much easier if we dispose 
of the half brothers and sisters. 

Children of Basil Foster and Mary Penn: Basil Foster mar- 
ried Charity Jackson, John Foster married Elizabeth Keys, 
Mary Foster married Edward Zink, Sarah Foster married Lewis 
Chaney, Benjamin Penn married Hannah Sheckler, Elizabeth 
Foster married Samuel Chaney, Thomas was never married. We 
shall make but brief mention of the above family. 

Mary or aunt Mollie Foster, as she was called, moved with 
her son Thomas to Highland county. Ohio, in 1819 and died there 
in 1825. Her son John was the first child btorn in what is now 



i 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 11 

Broa-l Top township, Bedford county, Pa., in 1787. He grew to 
manhood on the mountains, was a soldier in the war of 1812, 
moved to Ohio in 1814, married Elizabeth Keys, in 1815. Six 
children were born to them: — Dewitt Clinton, Caroline who mar- 
ried John Cowman, Newton Penn, Amanda, Emma and Israel. 
All of whom were born in Higliland county. Ohio. 

John Foster went back to Pennsylvania for a visit about 1830 
took sick and died and sleeps beside his father in the Duvall 
cemetery. 

Basil Foster was born at Ilyattsville, Md., 1785, moved to 
Hillsborough, Ohio, in May, 1819, Two years later he married 
Charity Jackson. There were born to them eight 'children: John, 
married Ruth Powers; Lewis, married JaneChanev; Mary, mar- 
ried David Hite; Arthur Pleasant, married Mary Horton: Stephen 
Flenner, married a Miss McVickers; Phoeba, unknown; Sarah, 
married John Dillon; Jackson, unknown. Basil moved to Grant 
county, Ind., about 1840, where he and his wife lived to a ripe 
old age. But two of the children are living. 

Crooked footed Thomas Foster was never married. He 
taught singing school in Clinton and Highland counties, Ohio. 
He dropped dead while consulting a doctor in Hillsborough, Ohio, 
in 1840. aged 49 years. 

Benjamin Penn Foster married Hannah Sheckler, daughter of 
Frederick and Catherine Sheckler, in 1812. To them were born 
ten children: Sarah, married John Reed; Mary, married Jacob 
Oppenheimer; Catherine, married James Swadley; David, married 
Sarah Ann Elder; Barbara, married Mr. Warfield; Nancy, un- 
known; John, never married; Rose Ann, married Abel Osborn; 
Eli, married Maria Berkstresser; Hannah, married Levi Putt. 
Those children were born from 1813 to 1829. "Happy Ben," as 
he was called, always took things in a happy go easy way. The 
first years of his married life were spent in the loft of a still house, 
where several of his children were born. About 1823 he bought 
a small place near Saxton, Pa., where the rest of his children were 

born. (The writer occupied this house from September 1879 to 

1883.) Mrs. Foster died at this place about 1850 and Benjamin 

moved over the mountains to Clarion county, where he married 



12 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 

again. Three children were born to them, Arthur, Allen and 
Rebecca. The wife dying he drifted west dying in March, 1860, 
on the farm now occupied by A. J. Swadley north of Rapatee. 
His bones rest in the Lyons cemetery, south of Rapatee. None of 
tlie family of Benjamin Foster are living. Sarah Reed died at 
Stonerstown about ten years since; Mary Oppenheimer died at 
Shenandoah, Iowa, January, 1893; '-Kittie" Swadley born Dec. 
25, 1813, died, near Rapatee, March 8, 1878; Barbara at Bell- 
wood, Pa. ; John Foster was born in September, 1819, died at 
Rapatee Jan. 31, 1893; Rose Ann Osborn at Shelby, lowa^ Jan. 19, 
1893; Eli at Chicago in November, 1890, where he was lecturer 
at the Libby prison exhibition for some two years; Hannah Putt 
at Saxton, Pa., abort 1871; of the deaths of David and Nancy we 
have no facts. David has three children buried in St. Luke's 
cemetery near Saxton, Pa.: The tombstone inscriptions read 
Francis R., born March 6, 1846, died March 8, 1848; John A., 
born March 27, 1847, died April 14, 1850; Adaline, born March 
27, 1849, died April 21, 1851. A. J. Swadley of Rapatee, 111., 
has two notes that were given by David Foster to his father, one 
dated Sept. 1, 1855, the other in September 1857, which shows 
that he was living at that date. 

David and his father owned an interest in some coal land in 
the Broad Top coal regions, which was sold to James Entriken in 
1854, as the Bedford county records show. 

No one in our family has had a more eventful career than 
Captain Eli Foster. He grew up at Saxton, Pa., and married 
Mariah Berkstresser, daughter of David and Mary Stoler Berk- 
stressor. After her death in the east he enlisted in the regular 
army of the United States and was quartered near Boston, Mass., 
at the breaking out of the Mexican war in which he took part from 
beginning to end. After the close of his five year enlistment he 
visited the middle and central western states, finally settling in 
Ohio, where in 1861 he raised a company of which he was made 
captain; was one of the five who helped Major Hamilton plan and 
execute the Libby prison tunnel and escaped through it. He vis- 
ited Rapatee in 1889. He was married twice but left no children 
by either marriage. With this we will bid adiew to the Penn 
branch of the Foster family and take up the Johnstone branch. 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 13 



CHAPTER THREE. 



RICHARD LEWIS FOSTER. 



As before stated, R. L. Foster was born in Prince George's 
county, Maryland, September 16, 1770. His wife, Charity John- 
stone, was born on an adjoining farm on March 27, 17t)y. She 
was a daughter of Rev. Thomas Johnstone and with her brotlier 
Joshua were playmates of little Dick as he was then called. When 
in 1778 the two families started on their journey to the Pennsyl- 
vania settlement, Joshua Johnstone was 11, Charity 9, and little 
Dick but 8 and a half years old, and they took turns walking and 
riding on the pack horses. 

The two families settled close together on the banks of the 
Juniata river. In 1779 all the children of eight years old and 
upwards were put to clearing of the brush between Shoup's fort 
and the river. They were placed in charge of Henry Shoup, who 
was born in February, 1767, died March 16, 1850, hence at this 
time he was twelve years old. The removal of the brush was so 
that the Indians could not surprise them from the river. The 
next summer proved the wisdom of this work. As before 
refered to the Fort was abandoned on July 16, 1780 and the long 
trip was made back to Maryland where Richard Foster and Charity 
Johnstone again spent seven years together. On their return to 
the Fort in 1787, he was 17 and a half and she 18 and at that 
early date they had' plighted their troth. But they had thought 
to delay the marriage until Foster had completed his trade. 
But the death of his father in October, 1791, put an end to the 
trade business, yet was the means of delaying the marriage for two 
years or until the summer of 1793. 

We will now leave the happy couple in their log cabin on the 
top of Broad Top mountains, while we mention a few historical 
facts concerning the early life of Richard L. Foster. His grand- 
father, Arthur Foster, was an extensive slave owner but in 1777 he 
freed his black servants and at least three of these ex-slaves ac- 



14: HISTOTRY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 

coinpanied the P"'o8ter and Duvall families from Maryland to Penn- 
sylvania in 1787. The first cold winter of 87 and 88 was too 
mnch for one old darkey named Basil Berry and he died with some 
lung trouble. Richard Foster hewed him a cofRn and he was 
buried near the gate of the Duvall cemetery. In 1792 he made a 
coffin for a half sister. In 1795 he helped to build the Moune or 
Thornhill grist mill which stood on the south side of Six Mile Run, 
opposite to where the Baptist and M. E. churches now stand in 
Coaldale borough. 

We wish to mention one more of those old slaves, Mingo, 
lie was born about 1715 on the southwestern coast of Africa, near 
the gulf of Guinea, and claimed to be the son of a king. He was 
kidnapped in the year 1735, became the property of Dr. Jeremiah 
Duvall, who traded a steer to a man named Jacob Ryan for him. 
He afterwards became the property of the Foster family who 
brought him to Pennsylvania and in 1795 Richard Foster gave him 
a piece of land for life. The Foster, Duvall and Fenner families 
built him a cabin and furnished him with what he needed. In 
lSl-1, after performing many voodoo ceremonies he laid down and 
died. Mingo spring and Mingo field are but a short distance from 
where Mrs. Benjamin Whited now lives on Broad Top, Pa. 

In 1895 Richard Foster was made class leader in the early 
Methodist church of the settlement which position he held for 
many years. In July 1818, Richard L. Foster, A.mos Evans who 
was in his ()2d year, William Anderson, sr., who was in his 53rd 
year, and Dr. Jerry Duvall, who was in his 68th year, decided to 
"build the first school house in what is now a territory twenty miles 
long and ten miles wide. It was called the Hog Pen. It stood 
on the banks of Horton Run where the road leading from Coaldale 
to Saxton crosses. In 1869 some of the logs were still standing 
and in 1878 the writer helped to haul the old chimney to the creek 
where it was used to weight a log pier for a bridge. All four of 
our grand parents attended school in this old pen, which did not 
c;)ntain a nail or a pane of glass. We could give many interest- 
ing facta in the life of Richard L. Foster and wife did space per- 
mitt. But we ntust return to our subject. 

After 72 years of companionship and 50 years of happy 
wedded life the good mother, Charity, died on the 22d day of 



I 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 15 

October, 1843, aged 73 years, 7 months and <> days. Uicliard tlie 
husband lived ten years dying November 30, 185.^ aged 83 years, 
2 months and 14 days. This grand old couple sleep side by side 
in the Uuvall cemetery, their graves are nicely marked. They 
were the parents of ten children bv)rn as follows: Wealthy A., 
born April 8, 1794, married Septimus Horton; Sarah, born Sep. 
26, 1795, married Thomas I. Horton; Ephraim, born Jan. 12, 
1797, married Elizabeth Anderson; Eli, born 1799, married Cath- 
rine Steele, 2nd wife Mrs. Claypool; Richard, born Aug. 29, 1801. 
married Nancy Shreeves; Lewis, born Feb. 9, 1803, married Susan 
Barnett; Thomas, born Sep. 30, 1805, married Eliza Foster; 
Ruth, born July 10, 1808, married John Negley; Josiah, born 
March 28, 1810, married Mary Wright; Septimus, born Oct. 2, 
1813, married Elizabeth Cook, 2nd wife Elizabeth Stevens, who is 
the only one living of the above named twenty-two persons. This 
was one of the most remarkable families we ever met. All were 
married young. All raised large families. They were born in a 
period of 19 years, died in a period of 25 years. When death first 
entered the family the oldest was 80 years old, the youngest 57. 
All but two passed their four score years. Their combined ages at 
death would make over 850 years. Eight of them resided in High- 
land county, Ohio, at some period of their lives. Nine of them 
have visited Knox county, Illinois. 

In politics R. L. Foster was a democrat. He voted for 21 
governors of Pennsylvania, for fifteen under the old consiituti'Mi 
and six under the constitution of 1838. He was intimate witii six 
generations of his family, from his grandfather Arthur to his great 
grand-son Ephriam A. Foster, now of Central City, Kv. in 1833, 
he had over 12,000 fence rails burned in the great forest tire of 
that year. And while he was 63 years old at that time he ran one 
and a half miles in twelve minutes to save a neighbor's house. 

WEALTHY AND SAKAH FOSTER. 

We will now take up the children of R. L. Foster, or fourth 
generation of the family as we knew them. Wealthy Foster mar- 
ried Septimus Horton about 1817. Three children were born to 
them in Pennsylvania. In 1822, there was a great boom concern- 
ing Highland Co., Ohio, and the Horton family with their three 



TO HigTOET OF- The foster family. 

little -children, who were narti(id David Foster, Allen 'and Mary, 
moved to Ohio, TW rfelst bf the' children were born there, viz: 
Levi, Alfred, Char)e8 W.,- Gary T. and Foster Septimus. The 
record in 1880 read^' ©avid married Adelia Rodgers; Allen mar- 
ried Margaret Zink^' Mary married Pleasant Foster; Levi married 
Rosetta Stibb; Cary Tl nfJa^ried Gyntha Fenner; Foster S. married 
Harriet Morehead; Alfrdd and GhfH-les'W. died unmarried. The 
father died about the time thatFostet S. was born and the struggle 
for a living was somew'hkt haVd on the mother but she showed the 
true grit. She finally moved to Buda, Illinois where she died in 
t'ne year 1879. ,- ■■ ' 

Of several members of this family we have very pleasant 
recollections. David F. visited us in our Pennsylvania home in 
1880. Gary T. Foster and Allen have visited us in Knox Co., 111. 
All are now dead but Dr. Gary T, HoVton, who we believe lives at 
Austin, Texas. 

Sarah Foster married Thomas I. Horton and they resided on 
the Broad Top mountains for some thirty five years after their 
marriage. But moved to Buda, Bureau Go., Ill,, in the spring of 
1855, where they lived the rest of their days. He died in Decem- 
ber, 18T2, she in 1885, having reached her four score and ten 
years. Two years before her death, or in February, 1883, she fell 
on the ice and broke her leg and despite the fact that she was 88 
years old it got well. This grand old couple were the parents of 
eight children, vi/,; Gharity, married David G. Fisher; Martha 
married Benjamin Osborn; Eli, married Mary Hamilton; Simon, 
married Eleanor Barnett; Andrew, died unmarried at the age of 
22 on Broad Top; Wealthy, married Mark Anderson; Sarah, mar- 
ried Mathew Hamilton; Noah, married Mary Shreeves. To the 
writer's knowledge all are dead except Mrs. Anderson. We have 
in our possession many interesting facts concerning these two 
families but must necessarily leave them out. 

Ghapter four will contain the history of Ephriam Foster and 
it will contain a geneology of five generations and almost two 
hundred names. 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 17 



CHAPTER FOUR. 



EPHRIAM FOSTER. 



If we were g^in^ to give our entire space to a liistory of this 
man, and Iiis generations, it would not be difficult, but to confine 
the facts to one chapter will be quite a task, as there are children 
named Ritchey residing in Rays Cove, Bedford county, Pa., who 
are of the sixth generation, with the old gentleman. Ephriam 
Foster was born Jan. 12th, 1797, near where the town of Coaldale, 
Pa., now stands, and where two great-great-grand-cliildren reside 
[in the persons of Vera L. and Margaret J. Barton. In 1807, when 
'^Eph" as he was called, was 10 years old the Broad Top settle- 
ment underwent a salt famine for some time. Its weight and the 
long distance it had to be packed made it a very valuable article, 
and for some weeks that year the settlers were in sore straits for 
salt.' A drayman will deliver you a barrel of salt as cheap as a 
I barrel of sand in any large Illinois city today, so that it is hard to 
'realize what a salt famine meant to our fore fathers. '^Eph" 
Foster was a great hunter. At the age of 10 years he killed his 
first deer. He killed a great many deer in his time but in the 
autumn of 1819 one came near killing him. The incident occurred 
on the mountain just north of where Riddlesburg, Pa., now stands. 
He shot a spike buck deer, when it attacked him. He grabbed it 
by the horns, holding fast for several hours, then clubbed it to 
death with his flint lock rifle. He told the writer the story in 
1866, claiming his buckskin breeches saved his life. 

He was a mill-wright and did a great many jobs in Bedford 
and Fulton counties during the early half of the last century. We 
will relate one brief fact in this line to show his genius and won- 
derful strength. In 1836 the writer's great grandfatlier, James 
Figard, sr., built a grist mill on Six Mile Run where Defiance, Pa. 
now stands. While Mr. Figard was away hunting a dozen men to 
put the main shaft in tlie mill, "-Eph'' Foster with the help of a 



18 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 

16 year old boy took it through a window and put it in place ready 
for the irons. 

He married Elizabeth Anderson, daughter of William Ander- 
son and Elizabeth Willet, who was born ISov. 20th, 1792. This 
was the first marriage between those two old families that played 
such a remarkable part in Broad Top history. The families were 
similar in ujany respects. The Anderson family had 11 children, 
one pair of twins included, born in 19 years and 5 months to the 
day. The Foster family of 10 were born in 19 years. 5 months 
and 24 days. All lived to be grand parents and 18 of them to be 
great grand parents. 

Two children, William and Jemima, were born to E. Foster 
and wife on Broad Top. But in 1822 they loaded their household 
goods on wagons and started for Ohio, landing at Hillsborough. 
But he did not like the country and returned to Bedford county, 
Pa., and bought the Moyer farm where Kearney, Fa., now stands, 
living there until about 1859 when he moved to Everette, Pa., 
where he resided until 1876, when he and his wife being loo old to 
run a farm, they sold out and moved to the Broadstone farm in 
Wells Valley, Fulton county. Pa., where they resided with tlieir 
grand son, J. C. Foster, until their deaths. 

We forgot to state that almost 50 years ago Ephriam Foster 
made the second trip to the west, visiting Grundy, Bureau, Fulton 
and Knox counties, Illinois, He purchased a farm just south of 
Rapatee, where Marion Hart now lives, where he placed his son, 
Richard L. Foster, jr. 

In politics Mr. Foster was a democrat, while his son R. L. 
was a stalwart republican, Ephriam Foster held several important 
township offices. He settled up the estate of his father the late 
Richard L. Foster, sr., in 1854 and 1855. He was very firm in 
his ways and did not change his plans very often. 

Ephriam Foster died May 14th, 1877, aged 80 years, 4 months 
and 12 days. Elizabeth Foster died May 18th, 1878, aged 85 
years, 5 months and 28 days. Both sleep in the Duvall cemetery 
on Broad Top. Eight children were born to this old couple, viz: 
William, married Margaret Cook; Jemima, married Joseph Negley; 
Eliza, married George R. Oaks; Charity, married first, Samuel 



I 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 19 



Hoover, second liusband BenjainiTi F. Duvall; Ricliard Lewis, 
married Ruanii Osborn; Johnston J., married Julia Ann Horton; 
Martha A., married first John Cook, second George Hamilton; 
Friscilla, married James A. Horton. 

William Foster has had quite an experience in the way of coal 
prospector. After beginning in such work on the Broad Top 
mountains, he was sent to Venango county. Pa., in 1865 and (56, 
where he superintended large enterprises. In 1868 he was elected 
} road supervisor, was re-elected in 69 and 70 and while in office 
built the great mountain wagon road between Riddlesburg and 
Hopewell on the east side of the Juniata river. For several years 
he was general manager at Robbertsdale, Pa., opening four coal 
banks and building an entire town while in charge. He was super- 
[; intendent at Tipton, Blair county. Pa., and in Clearfield county 
also. Served three years as poor directer of Bedford county. 
I And while he has passed his four score years he enjoys consider- 
able of this life yet. His good wife who has lived with him for 
I almost three score years is the last member of the old Cook family. 
They were the parents of seven children: 

Joseph was born Jan. 22d, 1845, was killed by being caught 
horse power cider mill Sept. 21st, 1854, aged 9 years, 7 months 
in a and 29 days. 

Ephriam A., married Rose Ready, Feb. 8ch, 1868; and they 
have been the parents of five children, viz: Jennie, born Dec. 
13th, 1869; W. F., born Sept. 10th, 1871; Maggie, born Feb. 
23d, 1876, died Aug. 19th, 1877; Roy R. was born Aug. 14th, 
1879: Georgie Lorrain was born Feb. 21st, 1890. Their present 
home is at Central City, Ky., where Mr. Foster has large interests. 

J. C. Foster, third son, married Mary A. Miller. They have 
had five children. Maud E., married J. A. Repper. They have 
four children, Don C, William M., Teddy and baby. 
• C. C. died March 30th, 1896, aged 17 years, 4 months and 3 
days. 

Cook, Samuel A. and Delia E. are single, 

J. C. Foster and family reside in Wells Valley, Fulton county, 
Pa., and are farmers. 

C. C. Foster, fourth son of "William Foster, was married to 



20 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 



Lucretia College. Their children are as follows: Emily Elizabeth; 
John Calvin; Annie Oakison; Gustof Carl; Margaret Mira and I 
Kina, who died at the age of 3 montlis and 21 days. Emily E. 
married Wilbert E. Barton and their two little girls Vera L. and! 
Mirg'aret J, ar^ the ei^^hth ganeration of the Fi)9ter family as 
we have record. 

The two danghters of William: Elizabeth, married Clarence 
Farber and Mira married Theodore Williams 

E. A. Foster has reached the top as a practical manager of 
coal and iron works. Has been in Alabama and Kentucky for 
several years. He had charge of the Rock Hill coal mines at 
Robbertsdale, Pa., as manager of the loading and shipping de- 
partment for several years. And it is said of Iiira he never be- 
trayed a trnst. 

Jemima Foster married Joseph Negley. They kept house for 
several years near Longs Run. (The writer was born in the Joseph 
Negley house.) But about 1855 Ephriam Foster purchased a large 
farm in Rays (^ove, where the Negley family lived for over thirty 
years. Here the father died when a middle aged man and that 
dread disease, consumption, carried off grown daughter after 
grown daughter in a few years time. We remember Lizzie, Mag- 
gie, Charity, Annie, Minerva and Alice all died, we believe, but 
two, who are spared to the aged mother today. Joseph Negley", 
jr., married Sarah B. Young and lives at Coaldale, Pa. 

Eliza Oaks died several years since, leaving several children. 

Charity Fosters' first husband died a few years after their mar- 
riage, leaving three children, John F., Theophilus and Priscilla. 
The two latter are dead. She then married Benjamin P. Duval, 
to them were born three children, William, Amos and Lizzie. 
She died with consumption some thirty years since. 

R. L. Foster and Ruann Osborn were the parents of eleven 
children: Humphrey Lewis married Sydnia A. Kline; Rose Ann 
married Samuel Heavilin; Walter married Clara B. Davis, second 
wife Mrs. Green; W^atson married Mary Palmer; Emanuel married 
Viola M. Holloway; Lutiier married Flora Miller; Lida married 
J. C. Anderson; Emeline died in childhood; Druzilla died at 4 
years; Matilda died at 10 years; W^illiam D. died at 23 years. 






HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 21 



R. L. Foster moved from Illinois to Arkansas where liis first 
wife died and he married Mrs. Ester Allen. No children were 
born to them. He died at VanBuren, Ark., in 1879. 

H. L. Foster and wife had three children: May married a 
Mr. Kesler at Boquet, Pa.; Blanch and Ira M. are single. 

Rose Ann Heavilin has five children: Mary, Lottie, Pearl, 
Minnie and Moss. 

Walter, two children by first wife: Cora married Dr. Sher- 
man; Elsie married Fay Hitchcock. They live at Maquon, 111. 

Watson, five children: Manuel, Lemuel, Pitt, Isaac and 
Bert. Manuel died a few years since, home Kewanee, 111. 

Emanuel has two children Earl and Lola, Maquon, 111. 

Luther one child, Maude. 

Lida Anderson has three c'aildren: Cassie, Minnie and Nor- 
man. Home, Minneapolis, Kan. 

The family of R. L. Foster is scattered from Pennsylvania to 
Kansas. Besides the four named above: Humphrey L. or 
"Booky" as he was called, died in the asylum at Jacksonville, 111,, 
on April 27, 1888, aged 42 years. Richard Lewis Foster and son 
Humphrey Lewis both served in Co. D. 103 Reg. 111. Vol. H. 
L., sleeps in the Lyons cemetery in Fulton county, 111. 

Johnston J. Foster and wife were the parents of one son, 
James Wilson. Johnston died while yet a young man at Hope- 
well, Pa., over forty years since, and his wife only survived him a 
few months. We are told by those who knew them that both 
were splendid people. Of the son we have not been able to get 
much information. His first wife was Kate Fry. Two girls were 
born to them about 1873 to 1875. One was named Druzilla Viola. 
He married a Miss Pedigrew in 1876. She was burned to death at 
Kittaning, Pa., in 1880, leaving two children. One was named 
Johnston. He afterwards married a Miss Pedigrew. 

Martha Ann Foster and John Cook were the parents of two 
children: John P., died Sept. 14th, 1873, aged 1 year, 4 months 
and 5 days. Minerva J., died July 10th, 1879, aged 24 years 7 
months and 20 days. The father John Cook, who was a son of 
Miles Cook and Mary Pisher, died Oct. 1st, 1873, aged 40 years, 
6 months and 19 days. He sleeps with his parents and children 



22 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 

in the Lyons cemetery. Mrs. Cook afterwards married George 
Hamilton, and lives at Prairie City, 111. 

Priacilla Poster and James Horton were the parents of five 
boys: George A. died with lung trouble in 1877, aged 20 years. 
Joseph W., John C, Charles and Harry all living. The mother 
died about 26 years since. 

Thus we see that there are three of the children of Ephriam 
Foster and Elizabeth Anderson living. William, Jemima and 
Martha A. Yet if the parents were living today they would be in 
their 106th aud 110th years. The writer has very kind memories 
of the dear old mother thirty odd years ago. William Poster and 
Mrs. Jemima Negley are both great, great, grandparents and reside 
in their native township and ceunty on Broad Top. 



NOTE TO CHAPTBR FOUR. 

After chapter four was in press we receive some delayed data, 
which must have a place in our history. 

Children of Jemima Foster and Joseph Negley, sr. : Lucinda, 
married Jacob Ritchey. She is living in Rays Cove, Pa. Then 
follows Andrew, Jacob, Martha J,, Esther, Margaret, Lizzie, Je- 
mima, Charity, Annie, Priacilla, Mary Alice, and Sarah E. all 
dead. Joseph W. H. Negley is living. He married Sarah Belle, 
daughter of David and Hannah Evans Young and lives at Six Mile 
Run, Pa. Margaret, Lizzie, Jemima and Charity, as well as the 
father, all died in about twelve months time, with that dread 
disease consumption. Three of the daughters were married: 
Charity married Washington Hall. Priscilla married Alex Man- 
speaker, and Sarah E. married Adam P. Bottomfield. The 
writer remembers several of the above named as very beautiful 
young girls, before being stricken. 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 23 



CHAPTER FIVE. 

ELI FOSTER. 

Eli Foster, second son of R. L. Foster, was born July 10, 
1799, one hundred and three years to the day on which we write 
this chapter. He was the fourth child born to this old Broad Top 
fanaily and his childhood and early manhood were spent like the 
other children, but in two particulars. He chose differently. He 
did not become a farmer until an old man, and he selected a wife 
outside of the old Broad Top familes. At the age of eighteen he 
was considered a splendid mechanic and had made several coflins. 
Prior to that time he left the mountains and went down into the 
river settlement to work, where he met and married Cathrine 
Steel in 1827, when about eighteen years of age. He built a house 
in Stonertown, Pa., near where Philip Stoner built a cabin in 1778. 
Foster's house is still standing and is owned by the Neary family 
in 1902, Here four of Eli Foster's children were born. Reuben 
R., born Jan. 5th. 1828, died in Goble, Oregon, June 14:, 1900; 
Cyrus, born Oct. 2c, 1829, died May 20, 1881, in Oregon; Lucin- 
da, born Oct. 31, 1831, died June 23, 1876; Levi C, born Sept. 
23, 1833, is living in Missouri. 

Eli moved to Hopewell in 1834, where he worked for the old 
Hopewell furnace and forge at carpenter work. We have been 
told wonderful stories of his feats of strength, and that he used it 
on his fellow man when imposed on, we have no doubt, as he was 
known as the best man among the employees. Two children were 
born to them at Hopewell: Alford T., born March 8, 1836, died 
1856; Allen Horton, born April 8th, 1838, died Jan. 30th, 1901, 
at Mazon, Illinois. 

In June 1839, Eli Foster and family moved from Bedford 
county, Pa., to Highland county, Ohio, where three .more children 
were born to them: George F., born July 23d, , 1840, lives at 
Goble, Oregon; Minerva, Aug. ,^3d, 1842; Sarah E., ;July 5th, 
1844. "' 



24 HISTOTRY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY, 



This year Eli and family moved to Wauponsee, Grundy 
county, Illinois, where his wife died and he married Mary Clay- 
pool, Aug. 2l8t, 1849. Two children were born to them: Julinia, 
born 1853, died Oct. 8th, 1854; Cathrine, born Jan. 29th, 1854; 
Eli Foster died at this place Jan. 23d, 1874, aged 74 years, 6 
months and 13 days, the first death in the family of ten children 
and the youngest of all at the time of death. The ages of the 
others at time of death were 86, 90, 80, 81, 87, 85, 81, 87 and 87. 

Cyrus Foster married Elizabeth Alexandria and moved to 
Goble, Columbia county, Oregon. Six children were born to 
them: Rebecca, Cathrine, Frank, Charles, Eli and Rueben. 
Cyrus died at the age of 51 years, 6 months and 25 days, and 
Rueben married his widow. They had no children and Rueben 
died Jan. 14th, 1900, aged 72 years, 5 months and 9 days. 

Lucinda Foster married Morgan Button. They had nine 
children: Eli, Oliver, Minerva, Cary, George, Milton, Addison, 
Grant and Luella. Lucinda died June 23d, 1876, aged 44 years, 
7 months and 23 days. Levi C, married Matilda Piatt. They 
have been the parents of five children: Horton, Martha, Dora, 
Eva and Leroy. Their present home is at Merwin, Missouri. 

Allen Horton married Harriet Fuller. They had seven chil- 
dren: Cora May, Grace, Blanche, Pina, Daisy, Hattie, and Roy 
Allen. Allen H. Foster was a splendid man. He visited the 
writer's family in Pennsylvania when we were a boy, and he vis- 
ited us at Rapatee some ten years since. He died Jan. 30th, 
1901, at Mazon, Grundy county, 111., aged 62 years, 9 months and 
22 days. The wife survives him and the family reside at Mazon, 
Illinois. 

George F., married Eliza Teeters, They have four children: 
George, Rueben, Mable and Jennie. They reside at Goble, 
Columbia county, Oregon. Sarah E. Foster married Gideon 
Ryder. They had four children: Hettie, Cody, Rubbie and Judge. 
They live in Grundy county. 111. Cathrine Foster married William i 
Johnson. They live in Iowa, and have five children: Charles,, 
Minnie, Ernest, Jennie and Roy. The writer is very sorry this' 
record is so incomplete. 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 25 



CHAPTER SIX. 

RICHARD FOSTER. 

Richard Foster, third son of Richard L. Foster and Charity 
Johnston, was born August 29, 1801. His wife, Nancy Shreeves, 
youngest daughter of Barton and Nellie Gordon Shreeves, was 
born April 8, 1805. They were born about one and one-half miles 
apart, he on the old Foster farm north of Six Mile Run, she on the 
"Barton" place south of the Run. The parents of both of them 
were prominent in the early church history of the place. And we 
can readily suppose in social matters as well. 

Neither ever saw the inside of a school house during their 
childhood days. "Uncle Dick" at the age of seventeen, helped to 
build the first school house on Broad Top the "Hog Pen" in 
1818. 

By 1820 Broad Top township had become quite well settled or 
at least the stone bound hills along Six Mile Run had been looked 
over, and the best spots for cultivation picked out. Hence Uncle 
Dick had not located at the time of his marriage to Nancy 
Shreeves, which occurred in the end of the year 1821. And in the 
summer of 1822, Ephriam Foster and family, Richard Foster and 
wife, Septimus Horton and wife (who was a sister to the Foster 
boys) with their three little children, Thomas Foster, Edward 
Chainey, Stephen Fenner and several others left Hopewell, Bed- 
ford Co., Pa., for Highland Co., Ohio. Our grandfather, Thomas 
Foster, carried a gun and walked the entire distance with the band 
of settlers. He was less than eighteen years of age yet furnisned 
bis share of the meat that was shot wild in the woods day by day 
And during our boyhood days, we always enjoyed grandfather's 
stories of the trip. Uncle Dick lived in Highland Co., Ohio, for 
; twenty- sevenyears but in the autumn of 1849 he came to Fulton Co. 
111., and spent the first winter near where John Swigert now lives 
in Fairview townshp. He rented the next year, but in 1851 he 



26 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 






settled on the farm where he lived to the end of his life. It is 
now owned by K. P. Foster. 

About ten years after they came to Illinois on March 12, 1859 
Nancy Foster died, aged 53 years, 11 months and 4 days. Her's 
was a lovely character, and she was respected by all who knew 
her. The father lived until nine o'clock p. m., Wednesday, Au- 
gust 29, 1888, just 87 years from the time he first saw the day 
light on the top of the beautiful Broad Top hills. The three old- 
est and three youngest of his children were standing by his bed 
when he breathed his last. A large crowd of friends followed the 
remains of this pioneer who had helped to settle three states, to his 
lust resing place in the Lyons cemetery where he was laid beside his 
wife, and where five different generations of the Foster family 
sleep, viz.: Benjamin Foster, Richard Foster, Richard Lewis 
Foster, Humphrey Lewis Foster and William Chester Foster. 

Richard Foster and Nancy Shreeves were the parents of ten 
children born as follows in Highland Co., Ohio. 

Manuel, born May ith, 1823, married Sarah Shockly. 

Lemuel, born Nov. 30th, 1824. Date of death unknown. 

Sylvester, born July 23d, 1826, married Mary Dewitt. 

Elvira, born July 23d, 1828, married James Brown, 

Wealthy, born July 24:th, 1830. 1st husband, Albert H. 
Apgar: second husband, Isaac Kinsey. 

James Madison, born Oct. 25th, 1833, married Fannie Kay. 

Charity, born Jan. 3d, 1836, married Joseph Wadsworth. 

Ascenath, born Sept. 16th, 1840. Has never been 
married, 

Richard Polk, born June 22, 1842, married Amanda E. 
Plummer. 

Mary Samantha, born May 14, 1844, married John Slater. 

Nine of the!"above named sons and daughters, are yet living, 
and we will make brief mention of them, beginning with Manuel 
who is now in his 80th year. 

^ Manuel Foster, oldest son of Richard Foster, married Sarah 
hSockley in Highland Co., Ohio. Aug. 23d,' 1847. She was born 
Aug. 7, 1829. Ove^'42 years ago he came from Ohio to the vi- 
cinity of Rapatee, living on three different farms in that neighbor- 



HISTORY OK THE FOSTER FAMILY. 27 

hood. About 1866 he moved to Lncas Co., Iowa, wliere he has 
since resided and where the wife and mother died. They were 
the parents of eleven children. 

Wellar, John Worth, Rebecca, Wayne, Nancy, Douglas, 
Stella, Charles E., Franklin, Manuel S., and Eva. 

Wellar Foster married Hannah Barnett. They have nine 
children. 

Armina married Chris Schlueter. They have one child. 

Elbert Polk, Hillner W., Alma F., Aubrey, Orville, Harlan, 
Walker and Lawrence. Harlan died in childhood. The others 
are single, 

John Worth Foster married Rachel Best. They have been 
the parents ot twelve children. John B., single. Sadie, married 
Edward Gunwell. They have had three children, Manuel, 

dead, Loyed and Noel, living, 

Manuel Albert, dead. 

James B., married Ethel Donor. They have one child named 
Dale. ^'^~~ 

Maude, Vance, Grace, Nettie, Frank, Leo, Bertha and Mary 
all single. 

Rebecca Foster married John R. Johnston. They have eight 
children. 

Belle married Rev. Carl Brown. They have two children, 
Fletcher and Florence. 

James F., Lida R., Matthew P., Charles M., Florence, Ber- 
nice and Nora, all single. 

Wayne Foster married Frances Barnett. They have twelve 
children. Gilbert O., married Bertha Neptune. 

Charles W., married Carrie King. Bernice to Harlan Victor, 
Bessie M., to Ernest Dora. 

Roy B., Thirstain M., Alma, Viola, Leslie, Harlan, Iva and 
Ila, the last two being twins, are all single. 

Nancy Foster married George Brown. 

Douglas Foster married Lavina Holmes. They have four 
children living: Guy, Roscoe, Candace and Clyde M. Cletee M., 
dead. The last two were twins. 

Stella Foster is single and keeps house for her father who is 
almost blind at his home near Chariton, Iowa. 



28 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 

Charles E. Foster married Clara Brennamin. They have had 
eight children: Bessie E., Mamie B., Fern, Kuth, Elmer M., 
Sarah, Don and Chalmer E. Sarah is dead the others are all 
single. 

Franklin Foster married Myrtle Parry, they have one child, 
Watie. 

Manuel S. married Ovoca Buzzard they have two children, 
Glenn and Sarah Cleo. 

Eva Foster single. 

Manuel Foster has always obeyed the Golden Rule hence has 
made many friends wherever he has lived from Ohio to Iowa, and 
today he can gather about one hundred of his own family around 
him. 

August 23d, 1897, he and his wife celebrated the 50th anni- 
versary of their marriage at their home in Lucas county, Iowa. 
Besides his own family most of his brothers and sisters weite pres- 
ent. The good wife died September 11th, 1901, aged 72 years, 4 
months and 4 davs. 

Sylvester Foster has no doubt had more spice and variety in 
his life than any other one in the family. Just as he entered man- 
hood our war with Mexico began and he enlisted and took part in 
the same. He drifted to Fairview, 111., over fifty years ago, 
worked as a mechanic for some years. Married Mary Dewitt. 
They have been the parents of five children. One child sleeps in 
the Lyons cemetery. Carl died in Oneida, 111., in April, 1887, in 
his 17th year. Dewitt married Olive Hennings and lives in Chicago. 

Don and Madge are single. Their home is in Oneida, 111., 
but Sylvester has spent his winters for several years near Alvin, 
Texas, where he has large interests. He followed the drug busi- 
ness in Oneida for several years, where he owns property, 

Elvira Foster Brown lived in the vicinity of Rapatee for 
several years, but finally moved to Lucas county, Iowa, where the 
husband James Brown died a few years since. The following 
children are living: Charltjs W. Brown married Mary Kirkuff. 
She died and he then married Jane Johnston. They have four 
children two of whom are twins. 

Annie Brown married Joseph Barnett. 



HISTOKY OF THE fc'OSTBK KAMILY. 29 

Frank Brown single. 

Thomas Brown married Catlirine Shockle^'. 

Sophia C. Brown married John White. 

Elvira Brown married Oscar Slater. 

Richard Brown married Fannie Long. 

James Brown, jr., njarried Irene McDowell. 

Children of Wealthy Foster Apgar: They were the parents 
of six children: 

Ida B., born June ith, 1859, died Sept. Dth, 1859. 

Richard F., born April 16th, 1800, died Aug. 2'>nd, 1800. 

John W., born May 31st, 1861, died June 3d, 1862. 

Wilber O., born June 30th. 1862, died Sept. 12th, 1862. 

Vernice married Douglas Brennamin and died several years 
since leaving a small family. 

Manuel Albert married Linna Smith and lives near Chariton, 
Iowa. He is a splendid man and is the only child living. 

The father Albert H. Apgar died March 7th, 1864, aged 39 
years, 10 months and 10 days. He and the four first namea chil- 
dren sleep in the Lyons cemetery beneath a beautiful granite monu- 
ment. Mrs. Apgar married for her second husband Isaac Kinsey 
and they reside in Lucas county, Iowa. 

Children of James M. Foster and Fannie Kay: 

Flora married George Brennamin. 

Samantha married William Bigham. 

Richard married Rachel Long. 

Harry married Rachel Webb. 

Their homes are in Lucas county, Iowa. 

Children of Charity Foster Wadsworth: 

Douglas and walker single. 

Mary married William Andrews. 

Fay married. 

Charles, Maud and Frances dead. 

The Wadsworths live near Wichita, Kansas, 

R. P. Foster has spent almost all his life at this place. 
Brought here at the age of 7 years he grew to manhood here. He 
spent some time in the mountains in 1864 and 1865 returning to 
Illinois in December, 1866. He married Amanda E. daughter of 



30 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 

Samuel and Nancy Flnmmer and for several years rented the 
Richard Foster farm, finally buying it. It is one of the finest 
homes in Knox county and where all his family have been born, 
which consists of: 

Albert Otis, born Sept. 4th, 1872. 

Samuel Blair, born Aug. 22nd, 1874, married Mabel 1 daughter 
of G. A. and Annie Swigert Taylor. They have one son Paul R., 
aged 4 years. 

Seldon Gale, born Feb. 9th, 1876. 

Norman, born March llth, 1879, married Vesper, daughter of 
R. S. and Faymie Brock Taylor. No children. 

Lena Ascenath, born Jan. 21st, 1882. 

Mamie, born Jan. 22d, 1888. 

All reside within one and a half miles of Rapatee. 

Amanda E., wife of R. P. Foster after an illness of a few 
hours departed this life on Nov. 22d, 1890, aged 36 years, 3 
months and 24 days. She was a woman with many good qualities 
as the writer found out in over seven years acquaintunce. She is 
buried in the Lyons cemetery where a beautiful granite monument 
marks the spot. 

R. P. Foster served several years as road commissioner. Has 
been trustee of Rapatee Union church for over ten years and has 
served as school director of Clearfield district most of the time for 
thirty years. 

('hildren of Mary Samantha Foster Slater: Paul, Clyde, 
Tessie and Frank all single. 

Before closing the chapter we would like to make mention of 
Aunt Ascenath Foster. For over twenty years she was the house- 
keeper for her father. As his steps became feeble with age, she 
grew the more kind to him, his companion and solace in his last 
days. After the death of Amanda E. Foster in November 1890, 
she took a mothers place with her children. Little Mamie was less 
than 3 pears old. All honor to such women. 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 31 



CHAPTER SEVEN. 



LEWIS FOSTER. 



Lewis P'oster, fourth son of R. L. Foster, was born on the 
old Foster farm on Broad Top, Feb. 9tli. 1803, was grown to man- 
hood on the old homestead. At a very ear^y time in his life he 
took an active part in church affairs also during his entire life he 
was an earnest believer in the old time Whig party and from 1852 
to his death was an active member in the Republican party. Our 
reason for noticing this matter is the fact the other six brothers 
were all life long Democrats. At the age of 20 years Lewis Foster 
married Susan Barnett, a member of one of the old time Broad 
Top families, also one of the families that has been on the best 
side of everything gotten up for the public good for the last liun- 
dred years. For ten years Lewis Foster lived at Hopewell, Pa. 
A considerable part of that time he had charge of the furnace 
stables. He hauled charcoal from the Sandy Run, Longs Run, 
Keifers and other big choppings, between 184:0 and 1850. But 
about the middle of tlie last century he made up his mind 
that such a place as the Hopewell furnace was not the place to 
bring up a family. Some of his children were quite young at that 
time. So he took his belongings and started west finally settling 
in Pleasant township, Lucas county, Iowa. 

He soon made himself felt in his new home. He took a very 
active part in church affairs, often filling the pulpit in the absence 
of tlie minister. He died on his farm Sunday, June 9th, 1889, 
aged 86 years and 4 months. A large crowd of neighbors and 
friends followed the remains to the Foster cemetery on Monday, 
June 10th. 

To show how the good man stood at home we copy from the 
Chariton, Iowa, Patriot of June 14th, 1889: "In the death of 
this venerable man the community ioses an upright citizen and the 
church a life long and consistent member. His exemplary chris- 



32 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 



tian cliaracter gave liiin a commanding influence in the neighbor- 
hood wliere he lived so many years." 

Susan, the wife, lived for several years after her good man 
died, wh«n she was called home. The following children were 
born to Lewis Foster and Susan Barnett: Ephriara, married 
Elizabeth Harding, Isabelle married John W. Smith; 
George died in childhood in Pennsylvania; Solonian and 
Jonathan, twins, died in Pennsylvania; Sylvester, mar- 
ried Charlotte Swartz; John W , married Mary Dochenhach; 
Elizabeth married, first Asbery Duckworth, second Wesley Teeter, 
third John R. Cooper; Henry C, married Plantina Anderson; 
Eliza J., married Lemuel Barnett, second husband a Mr. White. 

Ephraim, oldest son of Lewis Foster and Susan Barnett, left 
Bedford county. Pa., about 50 years since, went from Hopewell, 
Pa., to Pittsburg by the old stage route, then by water to Chicago, 
landing there when it was a hustling western village. Afterwards 
he came to Fairview, Fulton county. 111., by the traveling methods 
of the time. Considerable of the trip was made on foot. He was 
a carpenter and helped to build the first M. E. church in Fairview. 
The following Vv'inter he went to Keokuk, Iowa, working that 
winter in a slaughter house. From there he moved to Fairfield, 
Jefferson county. Iowa, where he married Isabell Harding. In 
1853 he entered 200 acres of land in Pleasant township, Lucas 
county, Iowa, which was his home for 49 years, except two years 
spent temporarily in Chariton, Iowa. Ephriam Foster died Jan. 
17th, 1902, from blood poison, after a brief illness. He was a 
mild tempered man of very simple habits and was respected by all 
who knew him. The wife survives him. She lives with her son 
Ezra E. Foster who is postmaster, general merchant and real estate 
agent at Olmitz, Iowa. 

Children of E. Poster and Isabell Harding: George W., 
married Laura Boylan, post ottice, Akron, Col.; John Y., married 
Lvdia Garrett, Russell, Iowa; Cornelia I., married Oliver Fluke, 
Olmitz, Iowa; Henry Lynn died when 18 months old; Sarah A., 
mnrried H. S. Miller and they live in Missouri; Albert A., married 
Mildred E. Hixon, Olmitz, Iowa; Mary S., married Nixon Wei- 
ford, Chariton, Iowa; Ezra E., unmarried. 



HISTORY OK THE FOSTER FAMILY. 33 

Graudchildren of E. Foster: (Jeorge W. lias four children: 
Leslie L. , Ira, Arthur and Mabel. Leslie L. was married very 
recently. John Y., had five children: William E., married Jessie 
Simmons, Clara Pearl and Charles Albert single, Jessie, Leona 
and Lewis dead. Cornelia L had ten children: Loran O., Lola 
Pearl, Gwinnie L., Lillian Belle, Carl, Snow, Harold, Stewart 
Irwin and Onva. Sarah A. has live children: Hettie Millicent 
mairied Roy Burch, Cresson, Ray, Foster. Ezra and Albert all sin- 
gle. Albert A. has three children: Lola F^rn, Walter Leeand The- 
odore. Mary S. one child, Charles W. 

We failed to state the fact that Ephriam Foster once visited 
his native state, spending a short time there about 50 years ago. 

We have written several letters to western points for information 
concerning the families of the daughters of Lewis Foster and Susan 
Barnett, but up to date have received but little information. Isa- 
belle, oldest daughter of Lewis Foster, w.is born in Broad Top 
township, Bedford Co., almost four score years ago. She married 
John W. Smith. They resided at Hopewell, Pa., for several years 
but about the middle of the last century they settled in Lucas Co., 
Iowa, where their family was raised. Mr. Smith died several 
years since, and the widow resides on the home place. 

Elizabeth, eighth child and second daughter, was born about 
1834 in Pennsylvania, was taken to Iowa when a young woman, 
where she married Asbery Duckwoth. He died at Little Rock, 
Arkansas, while serving his country as a soldier during the rebel- 
lion. They had four children, two boys and two girls. She then 
married Wesley Teeter. She was married the third time, her last 
husband being John R. Cooper, also a soldier, and he is dead. 
She lives near Russell, Iowa. 

Eliza Jane, third daughter and tenth child of Lewis Foster, was 
born June 24, 1847, married Lemuel Barnett, August 14, 1867. 
Two children were born to them: Susan E., born March 16, 1872; 
Katie, born March 11, 1883. 

Susan E. married Charles Knobbs in 1888, They have two 
children: Delia, born September 1889; Bonnie, born September 
1891. 

Eliza Jane Foster was married the second time to a Mr. 



34: HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 



Wliile and they live in Colorado. Her first linsband, Lerimel Bar- 
iiett, lives in Kansas. 

Mrs. Wliite was taken from Pennsylvania to Iowa when a 
little child, and has lived in several different states. 

We will now take up tlie history of Sylvester, J. W. and 11. 
C. Foster, all of wiom have made the world better by living in it. 
Two of them w(;re soldiers in the war of the rebellion. 

Dr. Sylvester Foster was the fifth son and sixth child of Lewis 
Foster, and was born near Hopewell, Bedford county, Pa., Sept. 
'2nd, 1830, and tlie 69 years that he was permitted to live were 
spent in a way that made the world better, and the great Foster 
family must feel proud to claim him as one of their number. His 
early boyhood was spent on the mountains and he grew up rugged 
in body and bright in mind and at the age of eighteen, in the year 
1848. at old Round Knobb school house he gave his heart to God, 
united with the M. E. church and was quite an exhorter in that 
early day. 

We do hot know just when he moved west, but about 1850. 
He married Charlotte Schwartz, daughter of William Schwartz and 
Mary Bender, who was born in Bedford county, Pa., April 29, 
1837. Mrs. Foster came of good, plain, old time Pennsylvania 
German people. Her mother lived to July 1900, dying at the age 
of 82 years and 11 months. 

Sylvester Foster studied medicine and became a splendid 
physician. He finally settled at Annelly, Kansas. He enlisted 
and served his country at the front during the civil war until his 
health failed, when he was honorably discharged. Was then ap- 
pointed U. S. marshal, serving until the end of the war. He 
served as coroner of his county in 1872 and 73. The last fifteen 
years of his life he was a member of the county board of health. 
His death occurred July 27th, 1899, of .Bright's disease of the 
kidneys, the complaint that has carried off most of the quite old 
members of the Foster family who have died within 50 years 

Sylvester leaves a wife at Annelly, Kansas, and nine children 
all living. 

John Calvin married Eliza Jane Waer, Oct. 19th, 1884, and 
to them have been born five children: Cora May, Nov. 28th, 



HiaTOHY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 36 



1885; then two still born that were nut named; Albert Lincoln, 
born May 23d, 18*J1; Lewis Sylvester, born Jan. 'Jth, 18ii3. 

John C. Foster has been honored by his township, served two 
terms as trustee, has served hs justice of the peace and has been 
a member of the board of education for several years. 

Emanuel Foster was married to Sadie Isabelle Carpenter, 
April 5th, 1883. They have one cliild: Flossie Fay, born Sept. 
14th, 1884. 

John C. and Emanuel both reside at Newton, Kansas. 

Mary Amanda Poster married H. C. W. Grifiith, June ;;th, 
1878. They have had seven children, viz: 

Alice Mary, born March 16th, 1879. 

Annie Elizabeth, b<trn July 9th, 1881. 

Dorothy Maud, born July 4rth, 1883. 

Charles Henry, born Jan. 12, 1886. 

Walter Wandesford, born Aug. Uth, 1888. 

Edward Claude, born March 23, 1890. 

Charlotte 8. V., Jan. 24, 1895, all living. Home Annelly, 
Kansas. 

Frances Jane Foster married Ge »rg^ W. Riissel. M irch l7, 
1887. Have been the parents of four children. 

Harvard Foster, born Feb. 21, 1888. 

Elgy Sylvester, Jan. 23, 1890. 

Charlotte E., Sept. 4, 1891. 

Burr, who died in infancy. 

The Russells reside at Newton, Kansas. 

Viola Kansas Foster was married to Carl F. Witt, April 2, 
1892. Six children have been born to them: Florence Fern, 
Minnie Olive, Earl Chester, Kennith Sylvan, Fredrick and baby. 
They reside at Annelly, Kansas. 

Charles Lincoln Foster, Lewis Sherman Foster and Miss Hett- 
tie Vienna Foster, all single, and reside at Annelly, Knpsu^. Lin- 
coln is serving his fourth term on the township board. 

Emanuel Foster has been a member of the school board for 
several years arid is central committeeman for liis township. But 
one grandchild has been married: Alice Mary Griffith to George 
L. Alexander, March 26, 1902. 



36 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 



John W., sixth son of Lewis Foster, was born on Broad Top, 
July 13, 1832, married Mary Duclienbach, daughter of 
John Dachenbach. She was born Sept. 27, 1837. They 
were married January 20, 1855. He moved to Iowa 
prior to the civil war, but returned to Pennsylvania in 1861. 
He enlisted in Company E, 195 Kegiment, Fa. Volunteer Infantry. 
While serving in Virginia he received a sun-stroke which has to 
some extent disabled him ever since, and for the last five years he 
has been an invalid. After the war John settled in Bedford Co., 
Pa. but two years later he left for Lucas Co., Iowa, with his wife 
and four children: Anna B., William, Ella and Susan. He still 
resides in Russell, Iowa. They have been the parents of fourteen 
children, viz: Annabelle, William H. H., and James, twins, 
both dead. Sarah E., dead, Susan J., Lewis G., Josie E., Effie, 
Mary E., Ida and Hattie, twins, both dead, Harry, dead, George 
B. and Harvey G. Of the eight who are living, Annabelle mar- 
ried Frank Peterson. They have had nine children: Arthur, 
Howard, Cora, Warren, Nettie, dead, Vernon, Edna, Charles and 
baby, dead. They reside at Bancroft, Nebraska. 

Susan J. married Alfred B. Garrett. They had three chil- 
dren: Zolla, dead, Bretina, living, and a baby dead. The hus- 
band is also dead. They reside at Columbia, Iowa. 

Lewis G. married Ella Cool. They have one child dead, and 
two boys, Samuel and Clarence, living. 

Josie E., married Joseph Shore. They have six children: 
Ethel Cora, Veda, Ernest, Edith and Clarence. Their home is at 
Bancroft, Neb. 

Effie married Ed Davis, no children. 

Mary E. married Charles Mullen, They have two children: 

Frank and Hallie. 

George B., married Eliza Cooper. They have two children: 

Lena and Erd. 

Harvey G., married Lavada Kenton, have one child named 

Dennis. 
'" It will be noticed that of twelve, pair of twins mentioned in 

our history, not one pair lived to manhood or woman. William, 

twin in above family, was killed by lightning when he was just en- 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 37 

tering manhood. The other three died in early childhood. 

Henry Clay Foster was born near Hopewell, Pa., Sept. 25th, 
1841, accompanied his fatlier to Iowa, where he grew to manhood. 
He moved to Seward county, Nebr., when it was the wild west in 
truth. He married Plantina Anderson, daughter of William 
Anderson and Margaret Evans, Aug. 12, 18(57. They have been 
the parents of six children born as follows: 

Lemuel, Oct. 1st, 1868, died in infancy. 

Lillian, Sept. 5th, 18(59, died 1880. 

Susan M., Feb. llrth, 1871, married Arthur Unitt, Dec. 25, 
1893, have two children — Alice, born Jan. 23d, 1895 and Vera, 
born Oct. 14th, 1900. 

Harrison E., born Dec. 25th, 1872. 

Rosetta, born Nov. 12th, 1874, died 1880. 

Lewis, born Sept. 23d, 1876, died 1880. 

We are told that the three, Lillian, Rosetta and Lewis, died 
during the great scarlet fever plugue in Seward county, Neb., in 
1880: 

H. C. Foster and family reside at Falls City, Neb., and are 
highly respected people. 

Note: — We have received some very interesting matter con- 
cerning the family of Eli Foster and shall devote a chapter to those 
fragments later on. D. I. Foster. 



#% 
%# 



38 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 



CHAPTER EIGHT. 

THOMAS FOSTER. 

On the SOtli day of September, 1805, a fifth son was born to 
R. L. and Cliarity Foster. As a child he was not different from his 
brothers, but from early boyhood he seemed to inherit a religious 
zeal from his grandfather. Rev. Thomas Johnston, and in early 
manhood he gave his heart to God, and for about 50 years he ob- 
served a family altar in his home, where the evening hymn was 
sung and a sincere prayer was offered up to the great Creator of 
all. 

The writer's first recollection of this grand old man was in the 
grain harvest of 1860. We can remember of bringing him a drink 
of water. Our good-bye was taken on Sunday evening, September 
22, 1883. He then lacked eight days of being 78 years old, yet 
his blue eyes were as clear and his step as firm as a man of 60. 
That Sunday we heard him say he had never taken the name of 
God in vain. 

On October 1, 1829, he married Eliza Horton Foster, who 
was born April 2, 1813. For several years they cared for Samuel 
Horton, who was the grandfather of Mrs. Foster, He was born in 
1752, hence was a very old man at this time but lived for several 
years with this young couple. 

In April 1841, Thomas Fostei-, with the help of his neighbors 
built a house on the southeast side of Round Knobb. Every piece 
of timber in this house was standing on the stump, eight days pre- 
vious to the day they moved into it. The large family occupied 
this cabin until x\pril 1st, 1855, when they moved on the adjoining 
farm. But about 1865 he built a substantial house on the home 
place. They moved back on it in April, 1866, where they resided 
until their deaths. That of Thomas Foster occurred June 9, 1886, 
aged 80 years, 7 months and 9 d^ys. The funeral sermon was 
preached by Rev. John A. Plo ghman, who had been intimate 
with the family for 41 years. 



I 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 39 



Thomas Foster served six years on the township board of ed 
ucation and one year, 1874, as supervisor of higli ways for Broad 
Top township. 

Eliza lived for over seven years after the death of her good 
man, when after an illness of less than four days she died, on No- 
vember 15, 1893, aged 80 years, 7 months and 13 days. She 
had been a consistent Christian for 65 years. Had presided over 
her own house for over 64 years. Had never been over 25 miles 
from her birth place. At the time of her death she had been the 
mother of sixteen children, the grandmother of sixty-three and the 
great-grand mother of thirty-six. A large crowd followed her re- 
mains to the Duvall cemetery. Six grand-children acted as pall 
bearers, viz: A. E. Foster, J. G. Foster, Harry Foster, T. L. 
Foster, W. G. Foster and Howard Boyles. 

Sixteen children were born to Thomas and Eliza Foster, viz: 
Amanda died in infancy. Miles, born June 14, 1832. Ira, born 
July 6, 1834, Aaron, May 17, 1836. Wealthy A., March 24, 
1838. Joseph E., April 14, 1840. Elizabeth died in infancy. 
William, born 1843. Louisa, born 1845. Thomas E., born 
March 24, 1847. Sarah died in infancy. Septimus, born 1850. 
Lewis T., born 1852. Susan J., born March 1855. Lyman D., 
born 1857, died 1859. Samson P., born in 1859. At the age of 
20 years or in 1852 Miles Foster, oldest son of Thomas, crossed 
the mountains to Clarion and Armstrong counties. Fa., where he 
spent three years chopping cord wood, burning charcoal and work- 
ing on keelboats. Returning to Bedford county in 1855, he mar- 
ried Caroline Figard, daughter of Rev. William Figard and Mary 
Hoorer Figard. They were the parents of twelve children born as 
follows: 

David Ira, born June 7, 1856. * 

Joseph Wilson, born March 27, 1858. 

Lemuel Christian, Aug. 18, I860. He died Aug. 6, 1863. 

George McC, born June 6, 1863. He died v^ith scarlet fev- 
er, Thursday, April 24, 1872. 

Eliza Ellen, born Jan. 13, 1866. 

William Grant, twin, born Aug. 17, 1868. 

Anna Mary, twin, born Aug. 17, 1868. She died with scar- 



40 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 

let fever Tuesday, April 22, 1872. 

Thomas Lewis, born May 21, 1871. 

Elizabeth, born Sept. 30, 1873, died Aug. 31, 1878. 

Hannah Margaret, born April 22, 1876, died April 21, 1878. 

Charity Ann, born Feb. 22, 1878, died May 4, 1902. 

Susan Jane, born Oct. 5, 1882, died Oct. 8, 1887. 

Thus we see that the dear old mother has followed seven of 
her children to the cemetery, aged from 2 years to 23 years. 

This couple lived for over 40 years within two miles of where 
they were married, in 1855. 

Miles Foster died in the village of Coaldale, July 19, 1895, 
aged 63 years, 1 month and 5 days. The mother resides with her 
daughter, Mrs. Ella E.Smith, in the same town. 

D. I. Foster married Rebecca E. Ramsey, born June 28, 
1858 daughter of Joseph Ramsey and Mary A. Mathias. They 
have been the parents of ten cliildren born as follow: 

James Arthur, born Aug. 7, 1879, died Sept. 10, 1879. 

Mary E., born Sept. 19, 1880. 

Alice L,, born Sept. 6, 1882. 

Florence J., born Oct. 11, 1884. 

Albert Lester, born March 5, 1887. 

Joseph Gershom, born May 28, 1889. 

William Chester and Ara Estella, twins, born Sept, 6, 1892, 
William died, Dec. 27, 1892. 

Lawrence L., born Oct. 22, 1894. 

Annie Leota, born June 1, 1897. 

Their present home is at Rapatee, 111. 

Joseph W. , went to Washington, D, C, in 1875, from there 
he went to Franklin Square, Ohio, then on to Rapatee, 111., same 
autumn. Some years later he went to Seward, Nebr. , where he 
married Sarah R. Anderson, who was born Oct. 21, 1855, at 
North Point, Pa. She was the daughter of James Anderson and 
Jane Grove Anderson. They have been the parents of ten chil- 
dren all living, born as follows: Charles Delmer, born Sept. 22. 
1880. Artie Benton, born Sept. 24, 1882. James Grover, born 
Sept. 9, 1884; John Murray, born Sept. 5, 1886. George V., 
born April 14, 1888; Hazel Geneva, Sept. 5, 1889; Myrtle 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 11 

Belle, June 20, 1891; Vilbert Coxie, May 10, 1893; Sadie, 
May 20, 1895; Ollie, November 17, 1898. 

They reside near Seward, Nebr., but Artie B. and Jaines (t., 
were born in Maquon township, Knox Co., 111. Charles D. is 
quite a successful school teacher in Seward Co. 

Eliza E. Foster married Jolin Smith. Three cliildren were 
born to them: George, William and Anna Beatrice, all living. John 
Smith was killed in the coal bank on Six Mile Run, in October, 
1900. 

William G. Foster was never married, lives at Rapatee, 111. 

Thomas L. P'oster married Annie Best. He is a mine tire 
boss at Johnstown, Pa. They have no children. 

Ira, second son of Thomas, was never married. He had a 
leg broken on the railroad in 1858, which left him a cripple for 
life. He died July 27, 1900. He was uncle to about 100 persons 
at the time of his death. 

Aaron Foster, third son of Thomas Foster, was born May 17, 
1836. Received a limited education in the backwoods schools of 
the time. Taught school in his home school, the old Round Knobb. 

He married Ellen Dachenbach and after his second child was 
born he offered his services to his country serving three years in 
Co. F, 8 Reg. Pa. Reserves. The company was commanded by 
Captains Eli Eichleberger, now of Saxton, Pa,, and John Eichle- 
berger, now of Hopewell, Pa. This regiment saw very hard fight- 
ing. He was shot through the lungs and through the foot and has 
been a cripple ever since. He is almost totally blind. Has been 
a member of the Baptist church for over a quarter of a century. 
He lives on his own place near Six Mile Run, Pa. Has been the 
father of ten children as follows: 

Lovina, aged 42 years, married John Shuke. 

David L. died in childhood. 

Emma, aged 37, married John Martin. 

Allison E., aged 35, married Annie Parks, daughter of Zane 
Parks. 

James G., aged 33, married first wife Florence Markley; 
second wife Mrs. Elizabeth R. Smouse. 

Phoeba, aged 30, married Austin Stevens. 



42 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 



Joseph died in 1877 aged two years. 

Minnie, aged 25, single. 

Rebecca J., aged 23, married Charles Schenk, 

Wealthy, aged 20, single. 

Lovina has been the mother of twelve children, two are mar- 
ried: July to Milton Edwards and Ella to Charles Zimmerman. 
They have one child, 

Emma one daughter, named Florence. She is 20 years old 
and single. 

Allison E. has five children, aged as follows: 

Chester A., aged 9 years. 

J. Marshall, aged 7 years. 

Mary, aged 5 years. 

William, aged 4 years. 

Nina, aged 1 year. 

James G. has two children: Harrison, aged 10 years; Bessie 
aged 8 years. 

rhoeba has four children, have not their names. She lives at 
Altoona, Pa. The balance of Aaron Foster's family reside at Six 
Mile Run, Pa, 

Wealthy A. Foster married David K. Boyles, son of William 
Boyles, about 1860. At the beginning of the Rebellion D. K. 
Boyes offered himself as a soldier, went to the front and served his 
country faithfully. He received a very serious wound which caus- 
ed his death a few years since. For a great many years Mr. 
Boyles was a contractor for mason work being a splendid mechanic. 
For several years he resided in his own home at Fostoria, Pa. 
But some fifteen years since he purchased a fine property at Bell- 
wood, six miles east of Altoona, Pa., where he died and where the 
family still reside. They were the parents of five children: 

Nettie died with lung trouble just as she was entering woman- 
hood. 

Alice married Harry Burns. They have several children. 

Annie married Leonard Stevens. They have one son, Bruce. 

Howard F. was never married. 

The youngest daughter. May resides with her mother. 

Joseph Evans Foster, fourth son of Thomas Foster, grew to 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY, 43 

manhood on the Broad Top Mountains. At the age 22 he enlisted 
in Co. C, 133d Reg. Pa. Vol., captain, Alexander Bobb, colonel, 
B. F. Speakinan. They were mustered in at Harrisburg, Pa., on 
Aug. lith, 1862. This regiment saw some very liard fighting on 
the fields of Antietum, PVedricksburg and Chancellorsville. After 
his discharge he worked at the coal business in Bedford and 
Venango counties. Pa. Came to Illinois in 1866. Married Harriet, 
daughter of James M. Foster. She and their only child died May 
lith, 1871. Joe has resided at Rapatee for 36 years. He has 
been a very useful man. Is a member of the M. E. church. 

William A. Foster was less than 19 years of age when the 
third call for volunteers was made. He enlisted in Co. H., 55th. 
Reg, Pa, Vol,, under Captain Mullen of Bedford, Pa. He served 
three years and was drowned near New York City in Sept, 1864. 
He was very ready with his pencil and taught the writer his alpha- 
bet from charcoal sketches in the mapel sugar camp, in the spring 
of 1861. 

Louisa Foster married Allison H. Edwards, who was also a 
member of Co, F, 8th, Reg. Pa. Reserves. They moved to Rapa- 
tee, 111,, in September 1876, where they resided some time. Mr. 
Edwards was a carpenter and while here he helped build the Ma- 
quon M. E. church. They moved to Seward, Neb., in 1878, where 
A. H, Edwards died. They were the parents of two daughters: 
Nina married Fred Bruce, who is dead, leaving one child, and 
Naoma died in childhood near Rapatee. Mrs. Edwards and family 
live at Seward, Nebr. 

Thomas E. married Annie Dachenbach, in 1868. The mother 
died several years since. They were the parents of nine children: 

Christina married first husband Samuel Graflfice, second hus- 
band Daniel McNight. 

Mary married Samuel Stevenson. 

Harry, unmarried, 

Charles, twin, died in infancy. 

Jennie, twin, married Samuel Towsand, 

Rheuhama married Henry McNight. 

Viola, Dolly, and Howard single and Fannie dead. 

They all reside at Six Mile Run, Pa. 



44 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 



Septimus, seventh son, married Harriett Hodges, They had 
two children: lambia and Luelhi. Septimus died March, 1892, in 
the prime of manhood, with brain fever. His wife and daughters 
reside at Six Mile Run. He also visited the West, spending 1873 
and 1874 in Ohio, Wisconsin, Missouri and in Knox Co., 111. 

Lewis T., eighth son, was raised on Broad Top. At the age 
of twenty-four, July 1876, he left Fostoria, Blair Co, Pa., and 
came- to Rapatee, 111., where he stayed several years, afterwards 
going to Seward, Nebr., where he still lives. He married Mary, 
daughter of James Anderson. Seven children have been born to 
them, all living, viz: Ira, Elmer, Allison, Clem, Charles, Lettie 
L. and Lizzie Jane. 

Susan Jane Foster married Andrew J. Blair. He died a few 
years since. They were the parents of nine children, viz: 

Phoeba, married James Edmonson. 

Loretta, married James Stevenson, 

Minnie married Charles Ullery. 

Andrew, John and William, single. 

Margaret, Wealthy and one unnamed, dead. 

All live at Six Mile Run, Pa. 

Samson P., tenth son has spent most of his life on the old 
homestead. He visited Rapatee in 1886 and was employed by the 
writer. He married Ettie Frick, who was one of those good peo- 
ple with more intellect than body, and after a few years of suffer- 
ing she died and left two baby boys to the care of the father. 

They are named Joseph Elmer and Charles. 

Since chapter eighth was written, two events have occurred 
that deserve mention in our history: 

On Tuesday evening, July 8th, 1902, at the home of the 
bride's parents in Seward, Nebr., Charles Delmer Foster and Miss 
Bertha Daves were united in marriage by Rev. T. L. Swan of the 
U. B. church. They went to housekeeping in their own home 
in the north part of Seward city. 

The other addition to the chapter will be a brief mention of 
the work of Foreman Thomas L. Foster in his 36 hours fight with 
black damp in the Klondike mine at Johnstown, Pa., on July 10 
and 11, 1902. He was in his office when the explosion occurred. 



HISTORY OF ttlE FOSTER FAMILY. 



45 



He, with four other brave men, entered the death trap, two of 
them lost their lives. The Philadelphia Inquirer, says, "Foster 
and Roberts staggered on, dragging a comrade into si^fety here, 
giving a word of warning there. Roberts went down, overcome 
by the terrible damp but Foster went on crawling over dead bodies, 
hunting for live men until flesh and blood could stand no more, 
when he was brought to the service more dead than alive." And 
Saturday's July 19th Johnstown paper says, "After almost four 
days arid nights spent in the Cambria Steel Company's mine, help- 
ing to rescue the living and get out the dead. Foreman Thomas L. 
Foster is lying seriously ill at his home in Johnstown." 



NOTE TO CHAI*TER EIUHT. 

In last week's history we said Captain John Eichleberger was 
livirg at his home in Hopewell, Fa. On Friday, July 25th, we re- 
ceived the Herald (Saxton, Ta.) which said: that Captain Eichle- 
berger had been found dead in his chair on the porch of the Eich- 
leberger Hotel, at Hopewell Pa., ,op. ,W^dnesday morning. July 
23rd. Another old hero has gone to his reward. The writer has 
very pleasant recollections of the old man whom we knew all our 
life. . , ^ - 



f.n . 



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■'■.I 



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1 



46 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 



CHAPTER NINE. 

RDTH FOSTER NEGLEY AND JOSIAH FOSTER. 

The 4th of July 1808 was celebrated by the R. L. Foster fam- 
ily in rather a new way, even in that early day. On that day a 
third daughter and eighth child was born to this couple. We were 
told by the late Ephriam Foster, that the little girl was welcomed by 
her big brothers, aged nine and eleven years. When she was ten 
years old that "Hog Pen" school house was built and she got some 
little schooling. She went to school to '-Praying Pascoe" a cele- 
brated teacher of the time who knew much more about using the 
rod than of teaching the rule of three. Our grandfather, the late 
Thomas Foster, told the writer many years ago that this man Pas- 
coe would compel one of the pupils to return thanks at noon each 
day and it was a recognized fact that the larger the boy the poorer 
the thanks. Ruth Foster grew to girlliood on the mountains, and 
we are told that even in early girlhood, she evinced an aptitude 
for caring for the sick, and was the solace of many a sick room. 
She married John Negley who was born January 23d, 1808. John 
Negley laid a warrant on a piece of land about three miles north of 
Hopewell, Pa., where he built a house and where the young couple 
started house-keeping and where several of their children were 
born. The writer lived on this old farm from April 1st, 1858, to 
April Ist, 1867. About 1850 John Negley and family moved from 
Broad Top Mountains over into Woodcock Valley, settling on the 
north bank of the Juniata River about three miles from Saxton, 
Pa., where they resided until the Autumn of 1863, when they sold 
out and moved to Buda, Bureau Co., Illinois, where Mrs. Negley 
had two sisters living, Mrs. Thomas Horton and Mrs. Septimus 
Horton. Here the family resided for about ten years, and the Bu- 
da people will bear us out when we say that tiiey were splendid 
people. Here most of their children were married. 

In the spring of 1873 the family again pulled up stakes and 
this time set tlieir tent in Decatur Co., Iowa, where they resided 



HI8TOKY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 47 

until death claimed the old people. Uncle John Negley died De- 
cember 8th, 1884, aged 75 years, 10 months and 15 days. Ruth 
Foster f Negley died December 27th, 1895, aged 87 years, 6 
months and 23 days. She was the last child of R. L. Foster and 
wife to depart this life, and the second one to die in Iowa, the oth- 
er one being Lewis Foster. Four died in Illinois: Wealthy, Sar- 
ah, Eli and Richard. One in Ohio, Josiah, and three in Pennsyl- 
vania, Ephriam, Thomas and Septimus. Another thing Ruth Neg- 
ley could say, she was named for a great aunt, Ruth Foster Lew- 
is, who was born in Massachusetts about 1730 and died in Madison 
county, Ohio, about 1820. The first female Foster child that our 
family have any record of. 

There were born to the Negley family seven children, all born 
in Bedford Co., Pa.: 

David Foster Negley married Mary Goodman of Lewistown, 
Pa., and resides in Decatur Co., Iowa. 

George Negley died in childhood in Pennsylvania. Susanna 
Negley married William Kelley of Buda, Illinois. 

Amon Negley died in childhood in Pennsylvania. 

Cathrine Negley married Charles Dorman of Saxton, Pa. 
She died at Buda, Illinois^ in 1870. He returned to Saxton, Pa., 
in 1880, where he still resides. 

Josiah F. Negley married Sarah M. Lee at Buda, 111., and 
they reside at Eldorado, Clay Co., Neb. 

J. C. Negley married Mary A. Fisher of Buda, 111. They re- 
side at Decatur, Iowa. 

Di F. Negley was another grandson of R. L. Foster to become 
a soldier. .|Ie served three years in a regiment that saw very hard 
fighting and lost about 40 per cent, during their service. He as- 
sisted in the taking of Fort Pulaski; helped to storm the three 
Forts on James Island. The regiment lost 100 men at Pocotoligo. 
They were under fire for eight hours. They double quicked 
three miles, with shot and shell flying like hail, in order to get to 
the front where our soldiers were being pushed. 

r •• ! f . JOSIAH FOSTER 

Was born March 28th, 1810 and was the sixth son and ninth 
child of R. it. Foster. Before taking up the record of Josiah Foa- 



4:8 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 

ter and family we will give a brief description of the old Foster 
homestead, as it will no doubt interest the over 2000 descendants 
of the man who began it. ,, 

We last visited it in May, 18,82, just 95 years from the time 
Basil Foster built his first log cabin on the land. The farm proper 
lays on the southeast side of one of the high Broad Top hills, It 
reached from Six Mile Kun on the east to the great 1000 tract on 
the northwest. On a clear day in the spring one could stand by 
the barn and looking west could trace Six Mile Ruh to where it 
empties into the Juniata, three and a half miles below. That 
■spring day in 1882, the Juneberry, White Dogwood and Red Bud 
trees were blooming by the thousands, with their back ground of 
pine, spruce, hemlock and cedar, as the roll of hills grew lower 
toward the river, it w.is indeed a sight long to be remembered. 
You could look beyond the blue. Juniata toward thfe Allegheny 
mountains, where terrace after terrace are piled higher and higher 
until they seem to meet with the, blue .dpnie of the Heaven. 

One must not think because they; live on the wide prairie of 
Illinois, Iowa or Nebraska that the old Foster homestead was ail 
rocks and hills. Far from it. There were many broad acres that 
were farmed to wheat and corn. We are told thai in the early 
thirties R. L. Foster frequently sold a thousand bushels of wheat 
to the company that used to load an ark at the mouth of Shoup's 
Run each spring and float it down the river. What a lot of back- 
aches it would take to thresh a thousand bushels of wheat with a 
flail. This work was done during the winter months. 

Josiah Foster grew to manhood on his father's farm. He 
never owned any land in Pennsylvania and when about 29 years 
old or in 1839 he moved to Highland county, Ohio. Two years 
afterwards, December 28d, 1841, he married Mary Wright, daugh- 
ter of Thomas and Lettia Wright. She was born May 24th, 1821, 
They went to housekeeping on the Wright homestead where the 
mother was born, married and where all their children were born, 
and where this good woman died, Jan. 29th, 1887, aged 65 years, 8 
months and 5 days. The father lived for several year, visited Rap- 
t^tQe during the winter of 1888, visited his old hoi^ie in Bedford 
county. Pa., in 1890. His de^th pccurred March 13th, 1892, lack- 



::*■ 



_ HISTORY OF THE FOSTKK FAMILY. 49 

ing 15 days of beipg 82 yeftrs old. Josiah Booster and wife were 
both consistent members of tlie M. E. church. He never owned 
any considerable amount of tliis world^s goods but was ever ready 
to divide with those worse off tha^j Jijniself, always obeying the 
golden rule. 

They were the parents of st^'venchildren born as follows; 

Alice R., born October, 1842. 

John T., born Feb. 7th, 1844. 

David L., bcrn Sept. 18th, 1845., 

Thomafe E., born Sept. 27th, 1848. 

ElvaJ., born Jan. 11th, 1852. 
I Martha A., born July Ist, 1854. 

William S , born June 12th, 1857.. 

Alice R. Foster married Joseph Morrow in Hillsborough, 
!ss Ohio. They live in Nebraska. Ha,ve no children. 

John T. Foster mnrvied Rachel Jane Hull, Sept. 22nd, 1877. 
Their children: 

Charles Ellsworth was born July 12th, 1878; he married 
'Minnie Windross July 11th, 1899. They have one child Lillian 
Mae, born May 22, 1900. They reside in Highland county, Ohio. 

Jesse Lee was born Dec. 27tli, 1879, resides in Highland 
county, Ohio, 

Clara Evaline, born Feb. 10th, 1882, died Feb. 7th, 1883. 

George William was born Dec. 16th, 1883 and resides in 
Nebraska. 

JoTu T. Foster was married the second time on Oct. 23d, 
1884 to Jemima Rotroff. Their home is atCareytown, Ohio. 

David L. Foster married Margaret Stubbs. They have one 
child, Josiah Foster, born in October, 1869, died Jan. 22d, 187L 
On May 17 of the same year. Margaret Foster died. David L. 
then moved to Grundy Co., 111., where he married Nancy Dewey, 
in January, 1874. Three children were born to them, Alice in 
1875, Clifford 1877 and Cathrine 1879. David L. Foster died in 
Grundy Co., 111., Oct. 6th, 1879, aged 34 years and 24 days. 

Thomas E. Foster died July 20th, 1851, aged 2 years, 9 months 
and 23 days. 

IElva J. Foster married Joseph Henry at her parents' home. 



50 . . HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 



in January, 1872. They have four children: Iva married John 
Miller in Cincinnatti, Ohio, and they have two children: Ray- 
mond Miller, died in October, 1896; Howard Miller, living. 
Fredrick Henry was born Feb. 27th, 1874, married Sophia Walkin- 
horse in Cincinnatti, Ohio. They have three children, Edna, Hel- 
en and Harlie. Alice Henry was born Aug. 13th, 1880, and 
Charles Henry was born in December, 1882, 

Martha E. Foster married Peter Stotler, at her father's house, 
in Highland Co., Ohio, in April 1876. They have three children, 
Grace born in March, 1878, Leota, March, 1880, and Bessie, De- 
cember, 1882. They reside on the old Wright homestead which 
four generations of the family have occupied for nearly 90 years. 
Their postoffice is New Vienna, Ohio. 

William S. Foster married Chloe Brown near New Lexington, 
Ohio, and they have been the parents of five children: Doyle' 
Bnrch, Arthur, Fred and Russell. They reside on the Allen H. 
Foster farm near Mazon, 111. 

While Ephriara, Eli, Richard, Thomas, Josiah and Septimus ■ 
Foster all spent some time in Highlands Co., Ohio, Josiah was the' 
only one to settle down and end his days there. Next week wc 
will give the history of Septimus Foster. 

Some idea may be had of the work the writer has undertaken, 
when we say that within the last ten days we have received records 
that were written for in April and May of this year. But our 
thanks are due our many kind cousins in distant states who have 
been so prompt in answering letters. We will devote chapter: 
eleven to these delayed records. 






HISTORY OK THE FOSTER FAMILY. 51 



CHAPTER TEN. 

SEPTIMUS FOSTER. 

Septimus Foster, seventh son and tenth child of R. L. Foster, 
was born on the home place October ISth, 1813. He was the last 
born of this family and by odds the smallest, as he was quite boy- 
ish looking by the side of several of his big brothers, three of 
whom were over six feet in height. 

We were more intimate with Septimus Foster and family than 
any other of the old Foster families, besides the one we belong to. 
We have spent days, even weeks, with the family in our boyhood 
and early manhood days. 

Septimus Foster grew to manhood on the old homestead. At 
1*1 years of iige he became a drummer in the Broad Top Rifle 
Rangers, serving several years in that capacity. 

On December 12th, 1839, he married Elizabeth Cook, who 
was born near Broad Top City, Pa., Jan. 22d, 1813. They went 
to housekeeping on the old Foster homestead. Five years later 
his mother died and his father, R. L. Foster, took his meals with 
him until his death in 1853. 

Septimus lived on the old home place until April 7th, 1858, 
when they moved to Wells Valley, Fulton Co., Pa. He had lived 
on the home place 45 years, and the family had owned it 71 years 
when he sold it. 

Mrs. Foster died at their new home on Jan. 19th, 1864, lack- 
ing three days of being 51 years old. There were born to this un- 
ion seven children, as follows: Mary, born Feb. 8th, 1841; Sar- 
ah, born Nov. 25th, 1843; Louvisa, born Jan. 9th, 1846; John 
Richard, born April I8th, 1849; Hillary, born Sep. 24th, 1851: 
Thornton, born Jan. 10th, 1855; Margaret, born Oct. 24th, 1857. 
Sarah died May 13th, 1846. Margaret died Jan. 14th, 1863. 
The others are all living and have families of their own. 

February 3d, 18 70, Septimus Foster married Elizabeth Stev- 
ens, 'lo tiiem were born four children, as follows: William R. 



5^ HISTORY OF" THE FOSTBR FAMILt. 

WHS born Oct. 24th, 1871; Emma, born Nov. 18th, 1873, died in 
infancy; Laura C, born Nov. 13th, 1875; Arthur, Nov. 3d, 1877. 
Septimus Foster had a very limited education which debarred 
him from public office, yet he served' two terms as supervisor of 
highways, and showed good business tact while. in office. We vis- 
ited this grand old man at his home in Wells Valley in November, 

1889. He was then in poor he^a'lth but lived until February 11th, 

1890, when he slept with his fathers. His age was 76 years, 3 
months and 28 days. His wife is living on the old homestead, thd 
only one of the twenty-twtt who composed the old family, includ- 
ing husbands and wives, that is living. 

We will ndw take up' the children as their respective ages i 
come in: j 

Mary Foster married Wilson R. Keith, son of Henry Keith | 
and Sarah Ann McClain, in February, 1864. To them were born j 
five children: Alice Elizabeth, born Nov. 6th, 1864, married R. { 
G. Truax, live at Enid, Pa.; Rosa May, born May 18th, 1867, ! 
married William Lockard and live^at Enid, Pa.; William Robeh, | 
born March 3l8t, 1870, married Missouri Barnett, live in Altoona, 
Pa.; Charles Francis, born Nov. 28th, 1872, single, lives in Al- 
toona, Pa.; and one son who died in'infancy. W. R. Keith vis- 
ited Rapatee, 111., in 1874. He and wife hkve a beautiful home in 
\f^ell8 Valley, Fulton Co., Pa. '^ 

Louvisa Foster married George J. Keith, who was born near 
New Granada, Pa., Dec. 23d, 1844, and was a son of Henry an^ 
Sarah A. McClairi Keith'. They were married in the summer of 
1867. In January, 1868, they moved to Buda, Illinois, where they* 
lived 16 years, and ^Vv here they are very kindly remembered. 
They moved to York Co.; Neb., in March, 1884, present address 
Benedict, Neb. Four children were born to this couple, all livingt- 
H. S. Keith was born May 12tli,; 1868; married Hattie E. Wil-" 
Hams Jan. 23d, 1895. She wHs ''born'* at Oxford, Indiana, Feb. 
14th, 1870, and was a dailghter of Philip N; and Susan A. Wil-', 
Hams. Three children have been born to them: Paul H;, Novl, 
2l8t, 1896, died at the age ' of 'five days; Earl Harold, hbm 
April 15th, 1898; Fay Henry, born"'l\6rch 2|th, 1901. Sarah -Ef 
Keith was born at Buda, 111., Aug.' 7th, 1870; married Dawsen T. 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 53' 



t*lant8, Oct. 23d, 1888; was married by Rev. W. K. feeans. 1). 
T. Plants was born in Louisa Co., Iowa, Nov. 2d, 1S().5. Tliey 
tiave one child, Roy Cecil, born Dec. 7th, 1893. Lola M. Keith 
vras born at Buda, 111., Oct. 19th, 1873; married Harley E. Greer, 
son of Dr. F. J. Greer and Jane Noble Greer, at Benedict, Neb., 
Thursday, May 19th, 1892. Charles A. Keith was born at Buda, 
111., June 19th, 1877. Is at home with his parents, single. 

When John Richard Foster was nine years old, or in 1858, 
his father sold the old Foster homestead, and coal mines have been 
operated under it ever since. The Reed & Schell coal bank, known 
as the old Bedford, was run for over thirty years. The writer dug 
coal in it in tlie winters of 1880 and 1881. 

Septimus Foster now moved to Wells Valley, Fulton Co., 
Pa. with his family, consisting of three boys and three girls. Four 
years afterwards, or Jan. lith, 1863, the youngest daughter Mar- 
garet died, aged 6 years. 

Jolin R. grew to manhood on his father's farm, and in 1870 
he married Miss M. F. Edwards, daughter of G. W. Edwards. 
To this union were born seven children: Edison G., born March 
5th, 1871; Olive G., born Dec. 20th, 1872; Veda S., born Feb. 
20th, 1880; May A., born July 14th, 1881; John Esley, born Aug. 
21:th, 1883; Elsie E., born May l7th, 1890; (^ora T., born June 
30th, 1891, and died September 16th, 1894. The other six are 
living. Edison G. Foster married Annie R. Long, Aug. 5th, 1897. 
She was born at Knobsville, Fulton Co., Pa., Jan. 16th, 1876. 
To this union two children have been born: Edison Park, born 
March 10th, 1900, and Cecil May, Oct. 4th, 1901. They live on 
a farm near Enid, Pa. Olive G. married Harry M. Lockard, who 
is a gang foreman for the Pennsylvania R. R. at the lower shops 
in Altoona, Pa. They have two boys, Ray born in February, 
1896, and Guy in August, 1898. Veda S., is a music teacher in 
Altoona, Pa.; is 22 years old and single. May A is a clerk in 
Altoona, Pa. John Esley is an employee in the great department 
store of W. F. Gables, Altoona, Pa. Elsie E. is at home and in 
school. John R. Foster served as school director from 1881 to 
1887, as town clerk for three terms, as justice of the peace for two 
terms. He is employed in a music store in Altoona, Pa., at the 



\ 



54 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 

present time. The writer will always remember this good family 
with kindness. 

Hillary Foster was only seven years old when his parents 
moved to Fulton Co., Pa. He received a fair education in the 
common schools of the time. He married Jane M. Edwards, 
daughter of G. W. Edwards. They have one son Clarence S., 
who was born Oct. iTth, 1874, is single, and follows farming for a 
living, at home with his parents at Enid, Pa. Hillary Foster has 
served as supervisor of highways for his township. He has been 
a cripple for about 20 years. 

Thorton Foster, youngest son of Septimus Foster and Elizabeth 
Cook, was taken to Fulton Co. when three years old and grew to 
manhood on the home place. He married Susan J. Truax. To 
them were born six children: Harry Norman, born March 29th, 
1888; Lola Edna, born April 28th, 1890, died May 12th, 1893; 
Mary Ethel, born April 15th, 1893; Nellie Serola, Aug. 25th, 
1895; Maud Alice, born Nov. 24th, 1896; Charles Selva, born 
May 4th, 1899. They are all single and live at home with their 
parents at Enid, Pa., and farm for a livelihood. 

Now in regard to the children of Septimus Foster and Eliza- 
beth Stevens: William R. Foster married Jennette Chamberlain 
in 1891. To this union were born four children: Jesse Lanora, 
born June 28th, 1892; Ernest Septimus, May 12th, 1894; Christo- 
pher C, Sep. 18th, 1897; Madaline, Feb. 1st, 1902. They are 
all living and follow farming, near Enid, Pa. 

Laura Foster is single and lives with her mother, Mrs. Eliza- 
beth Foster, in Wells Valley, Pa. 

Arthur Foster is also single, a promising young man of 25, is 
employed by the Pennsylvania R. R. Co. His address is 2000 
Twenty-third Ave., Altoona, Pa. 

Now in looking over the chapter we find that the children, 
grandchildren and great-grandchildren number 53, of whom 46 
are living. . 

:'We-ha?ye tried, the best we could to give a brief history of the 
ten children of R. L. and Charity Joliustone Foster, and feel that 
we have left the work in good shape for someone tb follow up, 
who is more able than ourself. 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 55 



CHAPTER ELEVEN. 

ADDITION AND CORRECTIONS TO CHAPTER FIVE. 

Two errors in chapter five we wish to correct: 

Cyrus Foster died in Illinois instead of Goble, Oregon. 
Also we said Catherine Steele, wife of Eli Foster, died in Grundy 
Co., Illinois, should have said she died in Highland Co.. Ohio, in 
1816 or '47. Cyrus Foster's children married as follows: 

Rebecca married Thomas Teter of Sioux City, Nebr., and their 
children are William, Lillie, Ida, Boode and Hazel. 

Catherine married John Miller of Morris, Illinois, and their 
children are Eli, Cora, Eva, Bert and May. 

Frank married Belle Bradley of Goble, Oregon. Two children 
were born to them, Charles and Pearl. Wife and children are 
dead. 

Charles married Hannah Ridge, of Morris, III.; their chil- 
dren are George and Otis. 

Eli Foster, jr., perished in a snow storm when a young man: 
was never married. 

George S. Foster has four children living, George, jr., owns a 
half interest in a wood yard in a prosperous Oregon town; Reuben, 
jr., is a stenographer in the Columbia Southern Railway Co. office 
at Portland, Oregon; Miss Mabel is also a stenographer and Miss 
Jennie is still in school at Goble, Oregon. George S. Foster 
served his country as a soldier, enlisting in Company C, 7t) Regt.. 
Illinois Vol. He moved from Grundy Co.. 111. to Goble, Oregon, 
spring of 1873. 

Allen Horton Foster, fifth son of Eli Foster, was also a soldier 
serving in Company D, 91st Regt., Illinois Vol. This makes 12 
grand-sons of R. L. Foster who served their country as soldiers, 
all of whom were volunteers, 'besides 13 more husbands of grand- 
children were soldiers. 

Children of Lucinda Foster and Morgan Button: Eli married 
Ella Porter, in 1880; Minerva married Stephen Sparks, in 1869; 



56 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 



Oliver married in Missouri; Carj married Lydia Isham, near Max- 
on, 111 ; George married Alice Brougham, in 1886; Milton mar- 
ried Jennie Craigg, June 1886; Addison married in Seattle, Wash- 
ington; Grant married Ida Brougham, a niece to George Button's 
wife; Luella married Harry Lewis of Chicago. 

Levi C. Foster married Matilda C. Pjatt, Oct. 28th, 1858. 
She died Oct. 1st, 1898, aged 58 years. They were the parents of 
six children, viz: Horton S., born Jan. 22d, 1860, is single; 
Martha T. was born May 29th, 1862, married Benjamin McDonald, 
April 22d, 1883. She died in December, 1888, and the husband 
died Aug. 18th, 1890, aged 27 years They left two children to 
the care of their grand-father Foster, Bert and Cora, now aged 18 
and 16 years. Dora E. Foster was born November, 1864, married 
I. G, Hewitt. They have two children, Bertha and Morris; reside 
at Oberlin, Kansas. Lizzie L. Foster, born Oct. 22d, 1874, is 
single, home at Merwin, Missouri. Eva L. Foster, born May 
26th, 1876, married R. S. Shoemaker. They have three children, 
Daisy, Edna and Fay. They reside in Colorado. Clarence Leroy 
Foster was born June 4th, 1884, lives at home with his father. 
Levi C. Foster, father of the above family, was born in Bedford 
Co., Pa., Sept. 23d, 1833. He moved to Highland Co., Ohio, in 
June, 1839, then to Grandy Co., 111., in 1849, then to Jingo, Mi- 
ami Co., Kansas, in 1866. Now resides at Merwin, Missouri. 

Sarah E. Foster, born July 4th, 1845, daughter of Eli Foster, 
married Gideon R}der, who was born in Ohio in 1841. They 
have been the parents of six children: Hettie, born Aug. 14th, 
1872, married A. A. Parr, September 14th, 1892; Hartie S., born 
May 7th, 1875, died Feb. 24th, 1877; Rubie, born March 15th, 
1877, married L Noice, Feb. 2d, 1898; Codie B., born June 27th, 
1880, married H. G. Severne, Dec. 12th, 1900; Grace E., born 
July 30th, 1882, died Feb. 7th. 1883; Judge Ray, only son living 
in the family, was born September 12th, 1884. The above fami- 
lies reside near Morris, Illinois. 

Catherine Foster, only liMng child of Eli Foster and Mary 
Claypool, was born in Grundy Co., 111., Jan. 29th, 1854. She 
married William Jolinson, and five children were born to them: 
Charles, born Sep. 11th, 1867, married Mary Manson in 1898, live 



\ 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 57 



at Seneca, 111.; Minnie, born June 7th, 1869, married John John- 
son, Dec. 25th, 1884. Three children were born to them when 
they parted and she married Robert HoA'ard, home at Lockport, 
111.; Ernest, born Sep. 12th, 1874, married Lena Manson, in 18i>7; 
Jennie, born July 7th, 1880, married U. A. Leach, December 22d, 
1897, live near Mt. Vernon, III ; Leroy was born Feb. 6tn, 1886, 
and lives at home with his parents. 

In chapter ten we said Elizabeth Stevens Foster was the only 
one of the twenty-two husbands and wives in the old Foster family 
that was living. We were mistaken. Mary Claypool, second 
wife of Eli Foster, is living. She was born April 24th, 1819, and 
was twenty years younger than her husband when married. 

ADDITION AND CORRECTIONS TO CHAPTER SIX. 

Manuel Albert Apgar, son of Wealthy Foster and Albert H. 
Apgar, was born Jan, 4th, 1858. He was the oldest child and the 
only one living out of a family of six children. His childhood 
days were spent in the vicinity of Rapatee, 111. Was taken to 
Iowa while yet a boy. Feb. 24th, 18S1, he married Linnie Smith. 
They have been the parents of five children: Lillie Cecil, aged 19; 
Albert Clarence, 17; Alice Nora, lO; Lura May, 12, and Franklin 
Lafarie, 8. Their home is near Chariton, Iowa. 

Also concerning the children of Charity Foster Wadsworth: 
Walker married Retta Vanhorn, reside in Oklahoma; Douglas, 
single, also lives in Oklahoma; Mary married William Andrews: 
Fay married Josie Cain. They and their parents reside at Col- 
wich, Kansas; Charles, Maud and Frances, dead. 

In speaking of five generations of the Foster family being 
buried in Lyons cemetery please read B. F. Swadley, instead of 
Richard Lewis Foster, who is buried in Arkansas. 

ADDITION AND CORRECTIONS TO CHAPTER SEVEN THAT OF LEWIS FOSTER, 

After our chapter on Lewis Foster was set up in cold type we 
received from J. W. Foster, Russell, Iowa, a copy of the family 
record for which we return thanks. Lewis Foster was born Feb. 
9th, 1803. Susanah Barnett was born March 8th, 1808. They 
were married in December, 1824. He died June 9th, 1889. She 
died January 15th, 1894. Their children were born as follows: 
1st. Ephriam, born July 2d, 1826, died January 17th, 1902; 2d. 



58 HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 



Istibelle, born May 6th, 1827; 3d. Sylvester, born Sep. 2d, 1830, 
died July 27tli, 1899; 4th. John Wesley, born July 13th, 1832; 
5th. George Alexander, born Oct. 2d, 1836, died Dec. 30th, 
1840; 6th. Elizabeth, born Oct. 7th, 1838; 7th. Ruth, born 
and died April 19th, 1840; 8th and 9th. Saul and Jonathan, 
twins, born and died Nov. 27th, 1841; 10th. Mary, born and 
died Nov. 27th, 1842; 11th. Hester Ann, born and died Novem- 
ber 27th, 1843; 12th. Henry Clay, born September 25th, 1844; 
13th. Eliza Jane, born June 24th, 1847. There are some pecu- 
liar dates in the above record. Four children were born on Nov. 
2 7th. The parents died at almost the same age. 

In chapter eight it will be seen that Thomas Foster and wife 
lacked but four days of being the same age at the time of their 
deaths. 

In chapter seven we neglected to say that Lewis Foster moved 
from Hopewell, Pa., to Martha Furnace, Blair Co., Pa., then to 
Jefferson Co., Iowa, wfiere he lived three years, then to Lucas 
Co., Iowa, where he spent the remainder of his life. 

At the time that the civil war began Dr. Sylvester Foster was 
a member of the Iowa State Guards. When President Lincoln 
c tiled for troops they offered their services to the United States 
and were ordered to Burlington, but before being sent oul: of the 
state Dr. Foster took sick and was honorably discharged. He was 
the second son and third child cf Lewis Foster, and was the parent 
of eight children. 

Also Harvard Foster Russell should read Harold Foster Rus- 
sell. Otherwise we believe the chapter on this good family is 
correct. 

Isabelle, oldest daughter of Lewis Foster, was born on Broad 
Top and grew up there. Married John W. Smith, Dec. 24th, 
1846 He was born May 19th, 1822. After living some years in 
Bedford Co., Pa., they moved to Lucas Co., Iowa. Ten children 
were born to them, as follows: Mary Frances, Sep. 16th, 1848; 
William Watson. January 3d, 1850, died March 26th, 1850; 
George Asker, Nov. 11th, 1851; Calvin Columbus, Sep. 3d, 18 ; 
Sylvester Price, Aug. 14th, 1855; Eliza Ann, March 29th, 1858, 
died June 3d, 1890; Emma Iowa, Dec. 8th, 1860, died June 23d, 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY. 5{» 



1881; H. Freemont, March 4th, 18()3; James Henry, Oct. 28th, 
1865; Matilda Belle, Aug. 18th, 1867, died June 17th, 1887:' 
John W. Smith died March 15ti), 1893, lacking two months and 
live days of being 71 years old. The widow lives in Lucas Co., 
Iowa, and is in her 76th year. • 

Children of Elizabeth Foster and Asbery Duckworth: Lewis 
M. was born April 23d, 1857, married Nancy E. Shore, who was 
born March 2l8t, 1855. They have four boys and three girls liv- 
ing, one boy dead. Andrew Oliver was born Aug. 26th, 1858, 
married Annie Goltry, who was born Jan. 10th, 1862. They have 
eleven children, all living. Harriet R. , born Aug. 4th, 1860, 
married George M. Shore, who was born Jan. 1st, 1857. 
They have no children of their own but have made a good 
home for two adopted ones. Matilda F., was born Dec. 5th, 
1862, married Vernon W. Shore, who was born Aug. 28tli, 1857. 
They have five children living, three dead. They live at West 
Minister, Orange Co., California; The other three families live in 
Lucas Co., Iowa. Three children were born to Elizabeth Foster 
and her second husband, Mr. Teter. The two living are Edgar, 
born Sep. 21st, 1869 and Ira, May 25th, 1873. The twin sister 
to one of the boys died in childhood. The two boys live in Boul- 
der Co., Colorado. 

In chapter two the correct date of the death of Benjamin Fenn 
Foster should read Julv 18th, 1859. He died at the home of 
James Swadley, sr., in Maquon township, Knox Co., III., where 
A.. J. Swadley now lives. 

CORRECTIONS TO CHAPTER SIX. 

'^In the family of Elvira Foster Brown there was an adopted 
daughter Daisy, who married Wesley Moore. 

In the family of Mary Samantha Foster Slater read that old- 
est eon, Paul Slater, died Aug. 15th, 1890, aged 16 years. 



^0 



HISTORY OF THE FOSTER FAMILY, 



CLOSING NOTES. 

We had tliouglit to give a short chapter on the civil and mili- 
tary history of Broad Top township, but our work has already 
grown too large and we will confine ourselves to a roster of the 
first regular organized company of militia in the township. It was 
first organized in June, 1837, reorganized in '44 and '51. But 
two members are living of this company, viz: William Foster, 
Six Mile Run, Pa., and Jonathan Evans, Cassville, Pa. There 
were about 75 men in it, 20 of whom belonged to Huntingdon, and 
what is now Fulton county. They were called the "Broad Top 
Rangers:" Joseph Fisher, ca])tain; Thomas W. Horton, 1st lieu- 
tenant; John Hoover, jr., 2d lieutenant; David Fisher, Ist ser- 
geant; Amos Figard, 2d sergeant; Nathan Horton, 3d sergeant; 
William Foster, fifer; Septimus Foster, drummer; privates includ- 
ed Corporals John Alloway, Jonathan Anderson, William Ander- 
son (miller), Levi Anderson, David Barnet, Jacob Barnet, Nathan 
Barnet, Jonathan Barnet, Hezekiah Chaney, Miles Cook, Daniel 
Cypher, Joseph Diggins, Aaron B. Evans, Aaron W. Evans, Levi 
Evans, Jonathan Evans, William Evans, Ellis Evans, Robert Ed- 
wards, James Edwards, David Edwards, Ludwick Fisher, jr., Jo- 
siah Foster, Israel French, Jacob Houp, Henry Hoover, Samuel 
Horton, Jesse Horton, Ezekiel Horton, William Horton, Isaac 
Kurfman, Thomas M. Long. John Lane, David Lane, John Lear, 
Henry Miller, Joseph Negley, John Negley, Benjamin Osborn, 
David Stevens, Samuel Shreeves, David Shreeves, J. W. Whited 
and Henry Warsing. 

Just as the forms were being closed for the last chapter of our 
little history, we received a letter from Altoona, Pa., stating that 
William Foster, sr. , had died at his home on Broad Top mountains, 
at 5 o'clock p. m., Wednesday, Sept. 3d, 1902, and was laid to 
rest in the Duval cemetery, Sept. 5th. He was the oldest mem- 
ber of the Foster family who lived to see the beginning of the 20th 
century. Twice during the summer Uncle Billy wrote us, urging 
us to hurry up the Foster history, as he felt that his time was 
short. He had been an Odd Fellow for over 40 years. Had been 
connected with some of the largest coal mine enterjtrises ever 
carried through in Pennsylvania. He leaves an aged wife, 
Margaret Cook Foster; three sons, E. A. of Kentucky, J. C. of 
Fulton Co., Pa., and C. C. of Bedford Co., Pa.; and two daugh- 
ers, Mrs. Lizzie Farber of South Fork, Pa., and Mrs. Mira Williams 
of Hopewell, Pa. 



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